End Of An Era: Stanislas Wawrinka Bows Out In Monte Carlo Farewell | WATCH

Last Updated:April 06, 2026, 22:26 IST

Wawrinka’s Monte Carlo journey ends with a first-round loss to Sebastian Baez, closing a full-circle chapter at the tournament he famously won in 2014.

It’s the end of a chapter for Stan Wawrinka at the Monte Carlo Masters.

The 2014 champion bowed out in the first round on Monday, falling 7-5, 7-5 to Sebastian Baez in what marked his final appearance at the iconic clay-court event.

A Full-Circle Moment

Now 41 and set to retire at the end of the season, Wawrinka entered the draw as a wildcard, 20 years after his debut in Monaco.

His crowning moment here came in 2014, when he defeated compatriot Roger Federer to win his only Masters 1000 title.

“It was a long time ago, but of course I remember it, it was exceptional," Wawrinka said after a tribute video played on court.

“To have the chance to play this final here… and to win it in addition, will always be one of my best memories of my career."

Match Slips Away

Wawrinka showed flashes of vintage form early on, racing to a 4-1 lead in the opening set. But Baez clawed his way back, leveling at 5-5 before breaking at a crucial moment to take the set.

The Argentine carried that momentum into the second, breaking early and controlling proceedings, before holding firm to close out the match in one hour and 47 minutes, despite a late push from the former world No. 3.

Baez now faces a daunting test against world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz in the next round.

Other Results Shake Up Draw

Elsewhere, three-time champion Stefanos Tsitsipas suffered a surprise straight-sets defeat to Francisco Cerundolo, continuing his struggles against top-tier opposition on clay.

Meanwhile, 2023 winner Andrey Rublev battled past Nuno Borges in three sets to progress. Other winners included Arthur Rinderknech, Jiri Lehecka, and rising Brazilian talent Joao Fonseca.

(with AFP inputs)

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