Novak Djokovic sends heartfelt message as 40-year-old tennis star nears farewell

Published On: Sat, Jan 24th, 2026

Sports | By admin

Novak Djokovic sends heartfelt message as 40-year-old tennis star nears farewell

Every start has an end, and veteran Tennis star Stan Wawrinka is the one who is experiencing the same. The star player has exited the Australian Open 2026, and Wawrinka’s words tell us all about what is going on with one of Switzerland’s most decorated tennis players.

But before diving deep into what Wawrinka said during the departure from the Australian Open, let’s try to register what former world No. 1 Novak Djokovic said about Wawrinka during the press conference on Jan. 24, 2026.

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Men's tennis star Novak Djokovic looks at a replay between points against Alexei Popyrin in the 2024 U.S. Open tournament — Men’s tennis star Novak Djokovic looks at a replay between points against Alexei Popyrin in the 2024 U.S. Open tournament | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

“Proud to call him a friend and a rival and someone that definitely has inspired me,” Djokovic said. “No doubt with his longevity, with commitment to the game. He’s so passionate about it. Just seeing him battle it out over four hours in the last match that he played. The second round, the way he turned it around.”

The Serbian star did not stop there. He also added, “It’s a testament to his career and what he brought to the court. His legacy will definitely stay and live with many different younger generations that look up to him. He’s a great champion on and off the court. Very likable guy. He did everything the right way. He deserved every applause that he had at this tournament. That’s a question for him.”

He then lastly, Djokovic said, “It’s been a great farewell Australian Open for him with the crowd support and everything that has happened on the court, the way he has played. Particularly that second round match. When he’s gone, tennis is going to lose a great player and a great person.”

At the 2026 Australian Open, Stan Wawrinka made one of the most emotional and memorable runs of his final season on the ATP Tour. Playing in what he’s said will be his last professional year, the 40-year-old Swiss entered Melbourne Park on a wild card and opened his campaign with wins in the first two rounds.

Wawrinka reached the third round of the 2026 Australian Open during his final professional season. He opened with a win over Laslo Djere and then beat Arthur Gea in a long five-set match, becoming the first man aged 40 or older to reach the third round of a Grand Slam since 1978.

In the third round, he lost to Taylor Fritz in four sets with a score of 7-6(5) 2-6 6-4 6-4. After the match, he received strong applause from the crowd, acknowledged the support, and marked the occasion with a farewell moment on court.

And after the loss, Wawrinka shared the final message and revealed what is going through his mind right now.

Stan Wawrinka shares farewell message after Australian Open exit

“My mindset was what I have been saying, I’m not doing the year to just say goodbye in tournaments”, Wawrinka said in the post-match press conference. “It’s my last year, so of course, when I’m going to lose in a tournament, it’s going to be a goodbye for this tournament, but my mindset is still a competitor, and I always want to push myself.”

Adding more, Wawrinka said, “I’m trying to find the balance between competitor, trying to win, but at the same time enjoying those moments with the fans, with the atmosphere. And here it was, more than I could expect with the support. Every match was something really special, and I really appreciate that.”

Earlier, the world No. 139 confirmed that the 2026 season will mark the final chapter of his professional career on the international tour. And the star’s year has gone as planned.