THE CHAMPIONSHIPS

June 30, 2026

Stan Wawrinka

Press Conference

M. BERRETTINI/S. Wawrinka

6-7, 7-6, 7-6, 7-6

THE MODERATOR: Stan, a great match and an emotional evening. How does it feel to have played your last match at Wimbledon?

STAN WAWRINKA: Yeah, it was a great match, great atmosphere. Amazing. Super grateful to receive the wildcard for having the chance to play tonight. It was really special to be back on Court 1 against Matteo. He's a great friend and amazing player. Yeah, was good, really good match.

THE MODERATOR: Questions.

Q. I have seen some footage in the tunnel. Matteo came to you and gave you a towel. Can you explain exactly what happened over there?

STAN WAWRINKA: Yeah, he pick up my towel from the court, and he came back to give it to me, because it was my last Wimbledon.

He said, Don't forget that one (smiling).

Q. I guess it hasn't been as good a slam as the other three for you, but what has Wimbledon meant to you over the years?

STAN WAWRINKA: It's always special as a player. I think you're always going to feel different here when you arrive. I think the history of the game, the history of tennis is really unique here.

As much as is always nice to watch on TV when you're younger, the first time you came here, the emotion you get just by walking around is really special. And more than 20 years later, I still have the same feeling when I come back here.

I think it's something really amazing as a tournament, for tennis, for the fans, and for us, the players.

Q. Can you touch on some of your fondest memories from Wimbledon in the past?

STAN WAWRINKA: Yeah, the chance to play many times here in the past. I remember one of the first year when I played Karlovic, won 9-7 in the fifth on the small court, probably Court 6 or something like that. It was special. I had the chance to play Roger on Centre Court, quarterfinal. Played also Gasquet. Some amazing memories here, of course.

Q. At some stage of your career when you have won Melbourne, Paris, and the US Open, did you want to tick this box, Wimbledon trophy in your career? I mean, grass was so specific.

STAN WAWRINKA: I never look that far in even the other Grand Slams. You know, I never came to the slams thinking, oh, I really want to win that one. For me, I always came here, wanted to do my best, of course, like the other slam. Made quarterfinals couple of times.

I think the grass was always a bit more challenging for me, for my game, for also the way I gain my confidence. I like to, I will say, have more time on the court. Before it was less tournament, also was only two-week preparation. I like to gain confidence by playing a lot of match, getting into those tournaments. And grass has always been a bit special, of course. If you don't completely trust your game, if you hesitate a little bit, you can pay the price directly.

So that's one of the reason, one of many reason why I never did better here. But at the end, I think I did the maximum I could, the same as the other Grand Slam. I think making quarterfinals was already a great result for me, and I'm happy with what I have achieved here in Wimbledon.

Q. It's hard to talk about ending a career, but when that day comes that you want to play very last match, will that be like exhibition match? And what player would you like to be the one that you play the last match? And the second question: Are you watching football? Are you a fan of football?

STAN WAWRINKA: I think so far it's been a great year. Is my last year, of course. But I have been playing some good tennis, some good match. So I'm quite happy with what's happening so far the first six months of the year.

Always wanted to be as competitive as possible in all those tournaments, and that's what I'm trying to do until the last tournament. That's for sure. Always try to push myself, try to win a couple of match in that, and we'll see how I can finish the year.

Yeah, I do, I do watch soccer. I do follow a few teams. Of course Switzerland, and yeah, I think it's starting to be more interesting now with the group stage finished.

Q. What player would you like to be the last match to play with out of these that are still playing?

STAN WAWRINKA: You don't choose. You never choose. I never question myself in that direction. You don't choose your draw, don't choose who you're going to face for me.

Again, I will see which tournaments I will still play and will play whoever I get.

Q. Congratulations for your great career. You obviously had one of the best ones. Can you imagine to give all your experience to younger players maybe in the future? Will we see you as a coach maybe on the tour?

STAN WAWRINKA: Well, I always love to talk about tennis. I try to talk with the young generation. For me, it's always been super interesting. I like to give back if I can help in any way. That's always something I enjoyed on my career.

I think being coach, not in the short term, that's for sure. And in few years, I don't know. But in the next year, for sure not.

Q. There are so much children that is cheering your name during the match. How do you feel when you listen so much children?

STAN WAWRINKA: For me, it's the best feeling ever to see the young kids, first, being in tournaments, and of course supporting me. That's always going to be special. One of the reason why I kept playing for so long is because of the fans and because the emotion I can get and share with them when I'm playing matches.

Tonight, again, was really special. Amazing support, amazing atmosphere, playing against Matteo who is a great friend, great guy. We had a good battle, and I'm happy with that match tonight.

Q. Well done for the whole career. You reminded me Jimmy Connors being 39 years old playing unbelievable, playing like a warrior at the US Open. Then he disappear. You don't see him anymore around the tennis world. What are you planning to do later when you finish as a tennis player? TV commentator? Colleague of ours?

STAN WAWRINKA: You're doing a great job. You don't need more colleague. You don't need more colleague. (Laughter.)

Q. Tell us what are your plans?

STAN WAWRINKA: I have many different plans, but I think it's honestly not that I don't want to say; it's just too early.

Being a professional tennis player takes a lot of energy, a lot of discipline, a lot of time, and especially even more at 41. 41, it's more difficult than what it looks, I guarantee you. Every day is a challenge. Every practice, you need to push yourself, even more you need to do, way more than before.

So as I say, it's my last year, but I wanted to do it the best way possible. So I'm really focusing on and pushing on that for the moment. I also know that I'm exhausted from that 20-years-plus.

And once I will finish at the end of the year, I just want to close the chapter, close the book, chill a bit, enjoy a bit being home, enjoy being with my family, with my friends, take some easy time before thinking about what's next.

Yeah, you will know when it will be time (smiling).