Swiss · Lausanne, Switzerland · Born 28 March 1985Swiss player renowned for his one-handed backhand who won three Grand Slam singles titles between 2014 and 2016.
Stanislas "Stan" Wawrinka was born on 28 March 1985 in Lausanne, Switzerland, to farmers Wolfram and Isabelle Wawrinka, with Polish heritage through his father's side. He turned professional in 2002, developing into one of the finest one-handed backhands of his generation, though he spent years in the shadow of compatriot Roger Federer before finally breaking through as a Grand Slam champion in his late twenties. Wawrinka won Olympic doubles gold alongside Federer at the Beijing 2008 Games, and helped Switzerland win its first-ever Davis Cup title in 2014. That same year, he won his maiden Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, defeating Rafael Nadal in the final. On his 28th birthday in 2013, Wawrinka had a quote from Samuel Beckett's "Worstward Ho" tattooed on his left forearm — "Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better" — and went on to win two further Grand Slam titles, defeating Novak Djokovic in both the 2015 French Open and 2016 US Open finals, becoming known as one of the most dangerous big-match players of his era. Wawrinka has continued competing well into his forties, becoming, in 2023, the oldest man to win a US Open singles match since Jimmy Connors in 1992, and retired in 2026 having earned over $38 million in career prize money — a career defined by the resilience captured in his own tattoo.
One-handed backhand, three-time Grand Slam champion
His one-handed backhand — perhaps the most powerful ever seen in professional tennis — has been called the most beautiful shot in the game by Roger Federer himself.
Did You Know?How They Played
Wawrinka possesses one of the most devastating one-handed backhands in modern tennis, capable of generating tremendous power and precision from both defensive and offensive positions. His aggressive baseline game is built around heavy groundstrokes, particularly his signature backhand down the line, and he excels at turning defense into attack.
Lasting Impact
Wawrinka proved that players could achieve Grand Slam success later in their careers, winning all three of his major titles after age 28 in an era dominated by the Big Four.
Career Honours
- 3 Grand Slam singles titles (2014 Australian Open, 2015 French Open, 2016 US Open)
- Olympic gold medallist (2008 doubles)
- Davis Cup champion (2014)
Swiss Athletes