Swiss tennis legend Stan Wawrinka has brought the curtain down on an extraordinary 24-year professional career following a first-round defeat at the Basel Open. The 41-year-old veteran had announced earlier in the season that the ATP 500 event in his home country would serve as his final professional tournament. His competitive journey reached its conclusion on Tuesday with a tightly contested 7-5, 7-6 (7/2) loss to Czech opponent Jiri Lehecka, ending the playing days of one of the sport's fiercest competitors.

Reaching a career-high world ranking of number three, Wawrinka stood alongside Britain's Andy Murray as the only players capable of consistently breaking the stranglehold of the dominant "Big Three" — Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. Wawrinka captured his maiden Grand Slam title at the 2014 Australian Open by defeating Nadal, before claiming dramatic final victories over Djokovic at Roland Garros in 2015 and the US Open in 2016.

The Lausanne native also achieved legendary status representing Switzerland on the international stage. Teaming up with fellow countryman Roger Federer, he claimed men's doubles gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and led his country to an emotional Davis Cup triumph. Throughout his farewell encounter in Basel, the passionate home crowd roared at every trademark one-handed backhand winner, though Lehecka ultimately held his nerve to seal the decisive tie-break.

After embarking on a farewell lap of honour to express his gratitude to the fans, Wawrinka departed the court for the last time as an active tour professional. Supporters will still have one final opportunity to celebrate his legacy on December 19 in Geneva, where he is scheduled to headline the "One last backhand" exhibition alongside longtime rivals and friends Roger Federer and Andy Murray.

Source: www.aljazeera.com