After a grueling 3-hour battle, 40-year-old veteran Wawrinka has matched a major career record held by Nadal!

Wawrinka is back and rewriting records. The Swiss star previously announced that 2026 would be his last professional season. Last month, he wrote "ONE LAST PUSH," signing off on a career spanning twenty years with three Grand Slam victories. Before embarking on his final Australian Open journey, Wawrinka proudly represented Switzerland at the United Cup, where he has already made a significant impact.

On Saturday, Wawrinka played his first match of his final professional season at the United Cup, delivering a thrilling three-set encounter. The 40-year-old Swiss battled for nearly three and a half hours to come back from behind, defeating French player Lindeknech 5-7, 7-6(5), 7-6(5). This victory gave Switzerland a 2-0 lead following Bencic’s earlier win.

But that’s not all! With this win, the 40-year-old Wawrinka reached another remarkable milestone. He has now won tour-level titles in 23 different seasons, tying Nadal for fourth place in the Open Era. Only Jimmy Connors (25 seasons), Federer (24), and Gasquet (24) have more. Standing alongside these legends is a proud achievement for anyone.

This marks quite a strong start for Wawrinka’s 2026 season, doesn’t it? After several months of struggles, the veteran Swiss finally secured his first victory of the new season and regained his rhythm. For the 40-year-old embarking on his farewell season, this win is undoubtedly a huge boost.

“It was a tough fight today... Coming here for the first time and receiving so much support is truly amazing,” Wawrinka said after the match. “Having played on the tour for 20 years, you often compete at the same places and events. So, for me, getting the chance to play in Perth this year is really special.”

Before stepping onto the court for his season debut, Wawrinka set a clear goal for his final year: to return to the world’s top 100. The Swiss star, who reached world No. 3 after winning the 2014 Australian Open, is determined to finish his career on his own terms.

“I’m very satisfied and calm about the decision to retire,” Wawrinka said. His words reflect the composure of a veteran who understands what he has contributed to the sport and what legacy he still hopes to leave behind.

When asked about Federer’s retirement three years ago, Wawrinka openly shared how that moment affected him. Three years ago, knee injuries forced Federer’s story to end earlier than fans had hoped. The Swiss legend postponed his comeback multiple times before finally announcing his retirement at the 2022 Laver Cup when his body no longer allowed him to continue. Now, as Wawrinka begins his farewell season, many wonder if he faces a similar situation.

“Yes, that’s definitely the most challenging part of being an older athlete,” he said. “The risk of injury increases, especially after 35. I’ve been through enough injuries in recent years, so now I feel peaceful.”

Wawrinka knows the pain of injuries well. Since 2017, knee and foot problems have troubled him, with multiple surgeries and long recovery periods leaving their marks. Yet his passion for tennis has never wavered.

“I feel good now, and one of my goals is to finish my career while still playing, not forced to stop due to injury after 20 years. That’s one reason I chose this year as my last, hoping for a good ending and that things go in that direction.”

These words reveal the firm belief of a champion who has achieved great success. As a three-time Grand Slam winner—claiming titles at the 2014 Australian Open, 2015 French Open, and 2016 US Open—Wawrinka matched Murray’s Grand Slam count during the era dominated by the “Big Three.” Now at 40, many wonder what drives him to keep going. His answer is simple yet full of tennis wisdom:

“Unfortunately, there are no shortcuts in sports. If there were, we’d all know them by now,” he said. “It’s a combination of many factors—love for the game. From the start of my career, I tried to do the right things and always look long-term. Sometimes I sacrificed playing some matches to avoid overplaying when young, aiming for a longer career.”

Right now, on the United Cup court, it is this passion that continues to push him forward. Switzerland has already defeated France and advanced, with Wawrinka looking determined. As he embarks on his farewell journey, can he lead Switzerland to a team championship? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Spark)