Stan Wawrinka, the Swiss professional tennis player and three-time Grand Slam champion, officially concluded his 24-year career following a first-round defeat at the ATP 500 Basel Open on Tuesday. The 41-year-old Lausanne native, who had earlier announced that the Basel event would be his final tournament, fell to Czech player Jiri Lehecka in straight sets, 7-5, 7-6 (7/2).

Wawrinka, a former world number three, distinguished himself during an era largely dominated by Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. Alongside Andy Murray, he was among the few to secure multiple major titles amid the dominance of the so-called “Big Three.” His Grand Slam victories included the 2014 Australian Open, where he defeated Nadal, the 2015 French Open final against Djokovic, and the 2016 US Open, where he also overcame Djokovic.

Beyond his individual success, Wawrinka contributed to Switzerland’s national achievements, notably winning the Davis Cup with compatriot Federer and earning a gold medal in doubles at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. His powerful one-handed backhand and aggressive baseline play earned him widespread recognition and the lasting support of fans.

During his farewell match in Basel, Wawrinka’s every point was met with enthusiastic applause from the home crowd. After losing the first set following a late break of serve in the 11th game and an ace by Lehecka, Wawrinka pushed the second set to a tiebreak but was ultimately unable to reverse the outcome. Following the match, he undertook a lap around the court to express his gratitude to supporters before leaving the arena for the final time as a professional player.

Earlier on Monday, Wawrinka took part in a farewell ceremony at the Basel Open, where he reflected on his career and celebrated its achievements. Despite this official retirement, fans will have one more opportunity to see him play later this year. In June, Wawrinka announced a farewell event titled “One Last Backhand,” scheduled for December 19 in Geneva. The event will feature appearances from fellow former champions Federer and Murray, offering a final showcase for the three players who helped define tennis over the past two decades.