Wawrinka at 40: 'New Generation Can't Vary Too Much' in Modern Tennis

After United Cup Final Loss, Stan Wawrinka Praises His Form and Analyzes Tennis Evolution

© AFP

Arthur Millot

le 12/01/2026 à 16h32

1 min to read

Hurkacz Hubert Wawrinka Stan

Switzerland fell short in the United Cup final against Poland, but Stan Wawrinka's run in the tournament will stand out as one of the early season's highlights.

At 40, the three-time Grand Slam champion proved he still has that extra spark that built his legend.

« My overall level was very high »

Beaten by Hubert Hurkacz in the final (6-3, 3-6, 6-3), world No. 83, Wawrinka has nothing to reproach himself for, as he said in his press conference:

« Today, it wasn't enough against Hubert. He's an excellent player and very tough to beat. I think my overall level was very high. I'm really satisfied. »

« The new generation can't afford to vary too much »

Then, with the perspective of a veteran champion, Wawrinka offered a fascinating take on the evolution of tennis:

« I think the new generation's style of play is different. Conditions and balls have become slower. You can't vary your game too much. You have to hit hard and take risks. That's the trend. »

An analysis that rings true in an era when modern tennis favors power and rhythm, sometimes at the expense of the creativity and variety that defined another time.