In a stunning display of resilience and longevity, Stan Wawrinka has etched his name into tennis history, becoming just the fifth man in the Open Era to win a match in 23 different seasons. But here's where it gets even more remarkable: this milestone came during his farewell season, as the Swiss veteran kicked off his final year on tour with a grueling three-hour-plus victory at the United Cup in Perth. Published on January 3, 2026, this match wasn’t just a win—it was a testament to Wawrinka’s enduring passion and skill.
Wawrinka’s 5-7, 7-6 (5), 7-6 (5) triumph over Arthur Rinderknech on Saturday was more than just a personal victory. It clinched the tie for Switzerland over France, 2-0, following Belinda Bencic’s earlier win over Leolia Jeanjean. Yet, for Wawrinka, the win held deeper significance. It placed him in an elite group alongside tennis legends like Jimmy Connors, Roger Federer, Richard Gasquet, and Rafael Nadal—all of whom have achieved tour-level wins across 23 or more seasons. But is Wawrinka’s achievement more impressive given he’s doing it in his final year? That’s a debate for the fans.
Here’s the breakdown of the most seasons with a tour-level win in the Open Era (men):
- 25 seasons: Jimmy Connors [1970-1989, 1991-1995]
- 24 seasons: Roger Federer [1998-2021]
- 24 seasons: Richard Gasquet [2002-2025]
- 23 seasons: Rafael Nadal [2002-2024]
- 23 seasons: Stan Wawrinka [2003, 2005-2026]
Four more players are tied at 22 seasons, with Novak Djokovic and Gael Monfils poised to join the 23-season club with their first wins of 2026. Meanwhile, Guillermo Vilas and Feliciano Lopez have retired, leaving their marks at 22.
Wawrinka’s win over the No. 29-ranked Rinderknech was also his first Top 30 victory in over eight months, since defeating No. 26 Alexei Popyrin at a Challenger event in May 2025. But this wasn’t just a routine win—it was a battle of survival. In the second set, Wawrinka fought off match points at 4-5 and 5-6, and even faced elimination in the tie-break at 5-all. The third set was equally dramatic, with Wawrinka down an early break and trailing 4-2 in the tie-break before securing a crucial mini-break to claim his first match point. He sealed the deal when Rinderknech’s forehand clipped the net.
‘Twenty years on tour, you kind of always play the same places and tournaments, so for me, it’s amazing to have this opportunity to play here in Perth for the first time,’ Wawrinka reflected afterward. ‘It’s incredible to be part of a team tournament with the women. Today was tough, but I’m really happy to start my final year this way.’
But here’s the controversial question: Does Wawrinka’s late-career achievement deserve more recognition than his peers who achieved similar milestones earlier in their careers? And as we celebrate his remarkable journey, we can’t help but wonder: Who will be the next player to join this exclusive club? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep the debate alive!
