Fond farewell: Wawrinka retires after first round defeat to Lehecka in Basel
Whether through technique or toil, Stan Wawrinka has always been able to whip fans into a frenzy.
Key Developments in Goodbye to Wawrinka -
The ability to stir the emotions of a crowd never left him - even in what proved to be the final tour-level match of the 41-year-old Swiss star's glorious career.
Former world number three Wawrinka might have lost to Czech opponent Jiri Lehecka in front of passionate home support in Basel on Tuesday, but he did not wave farewell without showing the hallmarks of a stunning career that exceeded expectations.
Post-Match Reactions and Strategic Impact
handed backhand down the line. The finger pointing to the temple. The demand for more noise from the stands.
The roar of "Allez!" after winning a point he probably should not have won.
The temptation to snap his racquet over his knee after missing a shot he felt he should have made.
Wawrinka, his family, and his team were dabbing their eyes once the reality of an honourable 7-5 7-6 (7-2) defeat dawned.
It meant a professional career spanning 23 years, 985 matches and three Grand Slam titles was over.
"All I wanted in my career was to give everything, have no regrets, to always fight, to always give 100% in every match - out of respect for myself, the opponent, the tournament, the fans, for everybody," Wawrinka told the ATP website., external
"That was always the most important thing for more than 20 years, and the only way you can leave the sport - without any regrets."
Stan Wawrinka was beaten but not outclassed by world number 21 Jiri Lehecka on a night of celebration in Basel
Wawrinka is loved by millions of fans because he is relatable - an everyman personality who reached the pinnacle of his sport by pushing himself to the limit.
So many talented players of his generation lamented the presence of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, believing the 'Big Three' to be a blockade preventing them from becoming a Grand Slam champion.
It did not stop Wawrinka. With explosive shot-making, relentless endurance and indomitable spirit, he barrelled past the trio of superstars on his way to winning his trio of majors.
