“Wawrinka dreams of facing Alcaraz before retirement.”

Stan Wawrinka, the iconic Swiss tennis player, is living out his final season on the professional circuit with a very clear goal and a personal ambition that gives special meaning to his farewell. At 41 years old, Wawrinka announced that 2026 will be his final year, but not before dreaming of facing the young prodigy Carlos Alcaraz, a matchup he considers one of the great moments he still wishes to achieve.

Wawrinka’s approach in this final phase of his career reflects a combination of performance and a new perspective. By deciding to skip the famous Sunshine Double in the United States, the veteran opted to prepare on what is his favorite surface, clay, and thus directed his calendar towards the clay season in Europe. His start was not as expected, exiting the Naples Challenger prematurely after a tough battle that culminated in a defeat in the third set tie-break against Matteo Martineau.

Wawrinka’s upcoming stops include Marrakech, where he will seek to regain his rhythm, followed by wildcard entries at the Monte-Carlo Masters and the Barcelona Open. These tournaments are not just competitive opportunities but also gateways to the high-level clashes he aims for before retiring. And while the desire to finish the year among the top 100 remains, Wawrinka’s focus in his final season is also on more selective and emotional motivations.

In a recent interview with Spazio Tennis, Wawrinka did not hesitate to express his preference for Alcaraz, whom he sees as an intriguing and unexplored challenge. “If I’m honest, I would like to face Carlos. I’ve played against Jannik many times, so I would like to have a different experience,” he stated. “We can call this a little dream for this year — it would be exciting to be on the other side of the net against a player like him.”

This desire for an intergenerational clash is emblematic of a time when the ATP circuit is undergoing a significant transition, with figures like Alcaraz redefining what is possible in the sport, while veterans like Wawrinka strive to leave a meaningful mark before saying goodbye. However, the former world number 3 emphasizes that his focus is not limited to specific opponents; his priority is to maintain his level of play. “Absolutely not. I’m happy with my level and with the fact that I can still push myself to the limit. That was my goal for the last season as a professional,” Wawrinka said, reaffirming that he will not change his mind about retirement, even if he achieves great results.

Despite the symbolic weight that this last season carries, Wawrinka has remained steadfast in not allowing himself to be swept away by nostalgic reflection. He has demonstrated a clear determination to live in the present, approaching each tournament individually, without getting lost in a farewell filled with milestones or emotional closures. “To be honest, I’m trying not to look too far ahead — the next tournaments are still distant,” he stated. “At this moment, I’m living one day at a time and one match at a time. It’s too early to think about tomorrow. Right now, the focus is on Naples, and that is the main goal — then we will calmly decide on the next steps.”

Wawrinka also reflects on his legacy, although he has made it clear that true contemplation will come after the end of his competitive career. “I think it’s still early to look back and assess what I’ve done in my career. I’ve always sought to be the best version of myself and give my all, enjoying every tournament I played. That’s what I know today, and I’m absolutely proud of that,” concluded the three-time Grand Slam champion, who promises to fight until the last point in what will be his final dance on the courts.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.