In the twilight of a storied career, Stan Wawrinka, the former World No. 3 and three-time Grand Slam champion, took a moment to reflect on his journey and future during a candid interview in Geneva on April 19, 2025. The 40-year-old Swiss tennis icon, renowned for his upset victories over Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, addressed speculation about whether he would consider coaching rising star Carlos Alcaraz. With a chuckle, Wawrinka dismissed the idea, saying, “No, I don’t see myself coaching Carlos. He’s got an incredible team, and I’m not sure I’d have the patience for that!” His response, laced with humility and humor, underscores a man content with his legacy but focused on savoring his final moments on the court.
Wawrinka’s career is a testament to grit and brilliance. His 2015 French Open triumph over Djokovic, a 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 masterpiece, denied the Serb a Career Grand Slam and cemented Wawrinka’s reputation as a giant-killer. He also toppled Nadal in the 2014 Australian Open final, 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3, to claim his first major, ending the Spaniard’s dominance on hard courts that year. These victories, among only seven instances of a player defeating both Djokovic and Nadal in the same tournament, highlight Wawrinka’s ability to rise to the occasion. “Those wins were special because they were against the best,” Wawrinka recalled, his voice tinged with pride. “You don’t forget moments like that.”
The question of coaching Alcaraz, the 21-year-old World No. 2 with four Grand Slams, arose as Wawrinka nears retirement. Alcaraz, fresh off a Barcelona Open final appearance against Holger Rune, has been guided by former World No. 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero since 2018. Their partnership has yielded titles at the 2022 US Open, 2023 Wimbledon, and 2024 French Open and Wimbledon, making Alcaraz a standard-bearer for tennis’s new era. Wawrinka, who briefly coached Alcaraz’s rival Alexander Zverev in 2017, acknowledged Ferrero’s impact. “Juan Carlos is doing an amazing job,” he said. “Carlos is already a champion, and he’s only getting better. He doesn’t need me.” Fans online echoed this sentiment, one noting, “Stan’s a legend, but Alcaraz and Ferrero are a perfect match.”
Wawrinka’s reluctance to coach stems from his desire to stay connected to the game on his terms. After overcoming knee surgeries and a dip to No. 338 in 2022, he’s climbed back to No. 49, reaching the Stockholm semifinals in 2024 and pushing top players like Jannik Sinner to the brink. “I’m still here, fighting,” he said, emphasizing his love for competition. His 2025 season, with a 6-4 record, includes a spirited run at the Geneva Open, where he fell to Casper Ruud in the quarterfinals. “Every match I play now feels like a bonus,” Wawrinka admitted, hinting that 2025 might be his final year.
Instead of coaching, Wawrinka envisions a future mentoring young players through his academy or supporting Swiss tennis informally. “I want to give back, but not in a full-time coaching role,” he explained. His focus remains on enjoying the twilight of his career, particularly at Roland Garros, where he hopes to make one last deep run. “Paris is where I feel alive,” he said, referencing his 2015 title and 2017 final. Alcaraz, meanwhile, carries the torch Wawrinka once held, blending Djokovic’s athleticism, Nadal’s tenacity, and Federer’s flair. “He’s the future,” Wawrinka said of Alcaraz. “He’s already making history.”
As Wawrinka prepares for Madrid, his legacy as a player who toppled tennis’s titans endures. His victories over Djokovic and Nadal, part of a rare club that includes Alcaraz’s 2022 Madrid feat, remain defining moments. While he won’t guide Alcaraz from the coaching box, Wawrinka’s admiration for the Spaniard’s journey is clear. “Watching Carlos play, you see joy and fight,” he said. “That’s what tennis needs.” For now, Wawrinka’s story continues on the court, one backhand at a time, as he leaves coaching to others and embraces his role as a beloved elder statesman.