Stan Wawrinka announces 'One Last Backhand' farewell exhibition in Geneva with Federer, Murray and Monfils
Stan Wawrinka will end his career on December 19 with an exhibition in Geneva featuring Roger Federer, Andy Murray and Gael Monfils, the Swiss three-time Grand Slam champion announced.
A final goodbye in Geneva
Stan Wawrinka confirmed on June 26 that he will hold a farewell exhibition titled "One Last Backhand" at Palexpo in Geneva on December 19. The 41-year-old, currently the Swiss number one at world No. 110, is in his last season on the ATP Tour and described the event as his way of thanking fans and the Swiss public after more than twenty years on the circuit.
After more than twenty years on the circuit, it is time for me to close this chapter. Before leaving, I wanted to organise one last evening to thank you and say goodbye.
The star-studded lineup
Wawrinka will be joined by three of his most storied rivals and friends: Roger Federer, Andy Murray, and Gael Monfils. All three are retired or, in Monfils's case, also playing their final season in 2026. The evening will mix singles and doubles matches, supplemented by mini-tennis, padel, fluo tennis, an autograph session, a padel demo featuring Switzerland's best players, and a concert. Organisers have promised surprise guests before a closing ceremony. The event is staged by Swiss agency Sport Spirit Pro Events.
I wanted to create a special moment with the Swiss public and have a nice party with all the people close to me as a thank you.
A career of Grand Slam glory
Wawrinka won three major titles during an era overwhelmingly dominated by Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic: the 2014 Australian Open, the 2015 French Open, and the 2016 US Open. He also claimed Olympic gold in doubles alongside Federer at the 2008 Beijing Games and lifted the Davis Cup with Switzerland. In total, he collected 16 ATP singles trophies and reached a career-high ranking of world No. 3.
Charity and community
A portion of the proceeds from the farewell day will go to two foundations: Leman Hope, which helps children in cancer remission regain confidence through sport, and the Federer Foundation, which supports education for children in disadvantaged communities. Wawrinka stressed that the day is designed as a thank-you to the Swiss and Romandy public, with all activities built around giving fans a final shared memory.
The last steps of a journey
Wawrinka had announced in December 2025 that the 2026 season would be his last. This year he reached the third round of the Australian Open in January but fell in the first round at Roland Garros in late May. His last Wimbledon begins on June 29 via a wildcard, and his final official ATP tournament is expected to be the Swiss Indoors Basel in late October before the Geneva farewell closes the book.
