Stan Wawrinka gives emotional speech after playing final match at French Open

Stan Wawrinka fought back tears after playing the final French Open match of his career as Roland Garros paid tribute to one of the tournament’s most beloved champions.The 2015 winner bowed out following a four-set defeat to Jesper de Jong on Court Simonne Mathieu, with the Dutchman winning 3-6, 6-3, 3-6, 4-6 in Paris.But the result quickly became secondary as fans rose to salute the three-time Grand Slam champion following an emotional post-match ceremony.Wawrinka was treated to a video montage celebrating some of his greatest moments at Roland Garros before addressing the crowd after supporters repeatedly chanted his name around the stadium. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say Tournament director Amelie Mauresmo and French Tennis Federation president Gilles Moretton joined the Swiss star on court for the tribute.An emotional Wawrinka admitted retiring from tennis had not been an easy decision after officially confirming this season would be the final one of his career.“It was a battle of emotions,” he said.Stan Wawrinka shows his love for the fans after his final match at Roland-Garros pic.twitter.com/DjqLr52Ni6— TNT Sports (@tntsports) May 25, 2026 “In the end, I gave my all to this sport.”The tributes continued as another video played featuring messages from some of the biggest names in tennis, including Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Gael Monfils, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.Wawrinka was then presented with a special glass trophy displaying the layers of a clay court in honour of his achievements at Roland Garros.LATEST SPORTS NEWS:Enhanced Games star accused of 'disrespecting' rival athletes as war of words eruptsDeclan Rice left devastated during Arsenal Premier League title celebrationsEmma Raducanu makes emotional admission in press conference after teary French Open exitThe 40-year-old appeared reluctant to leave the arena as he continued acknowledging supporters from every side of the court before stopping to sign autographs for fans.Even his conqueror ensured the spotlight remained firmly on the departing Swiss veteran.After shaking hands at the net, De Jong encouraged supporters to cheer for Wawrinka in a classy gesture before later delivering an emotional tribute of his own.“To be honest, it is not about me today,” De Jong said.“A funny story about Stan, he was playing against my coach when I was a ball kid. I'm not trying to say that you are old...“It is all about Stan, the way he is fighting.“I almost got broken by his signature shot, what that lethal backhand did to many players - including my coach.”Wawrinka’s victory at the French Open in 2015 remains one of the defining moments of his remarkable career after stunning Novak Djokovic in the final.Alongside his Roland Garros triumph, the Swiss star also captured the Australian Open and US Open titles during a golden spell that established him among the greatest players of his generation.His one-handed backhand became one of the sport’s most iconic shots and earned admiration from rivals and fans across the tennis world. Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter