“I never expected to achieve so much in tennis, but I never set limits either”

A long backhand was one of Stan Wawrinka's last shots at Roland Garros. His beautiful and powerful one-handed lap went out, at which point Stan lay on the clay and stuck to it, to the applause of the spectators at the Arena Simonne Mathieu.

The end of the game would come a few points later. The 2015 champion said goodbye to Paris with a match of three hours and four minutes, being defeated by Jesper de Jong, who entered the draw from the position of lucky loser, with 3-6, 6-3, 6-3, 6-4.

An emotional Stan was treated to a warm retirement ceremony, with the audience calling his name. “I thank you. It's hard to say goodbye here at Roland Garros,” he said, his voice shaking. Images of Roger Federer, Jannik Sinner, Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz, Gaël Monfils and Novak Djokovic then played on the screen, praising the three-time Grand Slam winner's career.

It was incredible. More than I expected and more than I could have asked for. To end up with so much support and love from people is exactly why I've kept playing for so long – Stan Wawrinka

He walked off the field to a standing ovation from the crowd, then talked about what happened on the field and in his career. “I am surprised to receive so much love and support from players, fans and tournament organizers. I have been on the circuit for over 20 years.

When I was young, my dream was just to become a professional player, get into the Top 100 and be able to play these tournaments. I never expected to achieve so much in tennis, but I also never set limits. I always wanted more, to push my limits and find my own way. I am happy and proud of everything I have achieved. Today was very difficult. It's never easy to say goodbye to something you love so much and have dedicated your life to. It will be difficult to leave Roland Garros”, said Stan Wawrinka.

He was also asked about his connection with the French public, who accompanied him with great passion in his last match, at the 21st Roland Garros played. “I think this connection with the French public was built especially between 2014 and 2016. It took time for the public to know me and support me so much. Now, when I hear the atmosphere and the support of the fans, I feel at home. It's an exceptional feeling and one of the reasons why I'm still playing at 41 years old. These emotions are the most authentic for me,” he emphasized.

I have always tried to be honest and share my experience with others. I was lucky enough to play tennis for 25 years and I always tried to convey that through passion, work and desire you can achieve results that you never dreamed of when you were a child – Stan Wawrinka

Stan Wawrinka: “I grew up watching Roland Garros”

If at the Australian Open he said goodbye with a beer in hand and even more smiling, at Roland Garros it was as if there was more nostalgia. “This tournament is high on my personal list. Not only because of the triumph in 2015. This is also where I played my only junior tournament that I won. I grew up watching Roland Garros. I come from the French-speaking part of Switzerland and my dream was to come home from school and watch matches all day on French TV.

I grew up on clay and until 2003-2004 played almost exclusively on this surface. For me, Roland Garros will always be different from the other tournaments”, emphasized the one who in 2015 defeated Novak Djokovic in a dramatic final.

46 matcheswon Stan Wawrinka at Roland Garros, losing 20

One he has never seen before. “I just watched a few highlights to enjoy my tennis (smiles). Sometimes I look and wonder if I can still play like this, but unfortunately it's not that simple. At that moment I didn't think that I was playing extraordinary or that I was experiencing something special. I was completely focused on beating the world No. 1, perhaps the greatest player in the history of the sport, in a Grand Slam final at Roland Garros. But when I entered the field I knew I had what it takes to beat him. I had confidence in my level, my fitness and my game“.

Novak Djokovic and Stan Wawrinka in 2015. Photo: Imago

How did he see himself going up against some of the greatest players the sport has ever had? “For me it was pure passion and the desire to surpass myself. I never set out to be number one or win Grand Slams. When I was growing up, the goal was just to get into the Top 100 and play the big tournaments. I have always been passionate about tennis and life on the circuit.

You travel the world, play the biggest tournaments and have the chance to perform in front of so many people. I didn't think I was making history. I was just wondering how I can become a better player and how I can beat the Big 4, because you had to beat them to win the big tournaments,” replied Stan, who rose to third in the world rankings.

Stan Wawrinka had an extremely elegant answer when asked if he regrets having to play at the same time as Roger Federer. “Not. I've always tried to have no regrets. When I got to the circuit and Roger was already there, I saw it as a huge opportunity. I had the chance to train with the best player in the world, learn from him, play Davis Cup and the Olympics together.

Thanks to him I also have an Olympic gold medal. I am a positive person and choose to see the bright side of things. For me it was extraordinary to spend 20 years on the circuit with Roger”, said the one who will retire at the end of the year, at the Basel tournament.