ONE LAST BACKHAND

19 DECEMBER 2026 - PALEXPO GENEVA

by

LEGENDARY MATCHES AND A FAREWELL NIGHT

There are endings that deserve a very last episode.

On December 19, 2026, Stan Wawrinka will retire from tennis. Twenty-four years of career, three Grand Slam titles, an Olympic gold medal and a final evening in Geneva to close the book.

For one night only, Palexpo becomes the stage for a final encounter between Stan and those who shared his journey at the highest level: Roger Federer, Gaël Monfils and Andy Murray. His rivals, his friends, the men with whom he wrote one of the most beautiful chapters in men's tennis.

One last backhand: living up to the legend.

STAN WAWRINKA

A LEGENDARY CHAMPION

Born on March 28, 1985 in Lausanne, Stanislas Wawrinka is one of the most prominent figures in world tennis of his generation. The son of a farmer from the canton of Vaud, he began playing tennis at the age of eight. Turning professional in 2002, he patiently climbed the ranks of the circuit until establishing himself among the best players in the history of Swiss sport.

Nicknamed "Stanimal" or "Stan the Man," he is renowned for his iconic one-handed backhand, considered by many to be one of the most beautiful on the tour, but also for his fighting spirit, his unwavering resilience, and his rare ability to elevate his game in the moments that matter most. At 28, he won his first Grand Slam: the beginning of a series of three major titles in three years, each time won against the world number one. After a 24-year professional career, Stan Wawrinka is now retiring, his head held high and without regrets.

Individual best results

Three-time Grand Slam winner: Australian Open (2014), French Open (2015), US Open (2016)
Finalist at Roland-Garros (2017)
Best world ranking: No. 3 (2014)
16 ATP singles titles
Winner of a Masters 1000 title in Monte Carlo in 2014
Finalist in Masters 1000 tournaments three times: Rome (2008), Madrid (2013), Indian Wells (2017)

Team achievements

Olympic gold medal in doubles at Beijing 2008 alongside Roger Federer
Davis Cup victory with Switzerland (2014)
United Cup finalist with Switzerland (2026)
Flag bearer for Switzerland at the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games

Records & distinctions

Five Grand Slam victories against the world No. 1
One of only three players to have beaten Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal in Grand Slam
First player aged 40 or over to reach the 3rd round of the Australian Open since 1978
Voted Swiss of the Year 2013 by the Swiss television audience
Voted Swiss Sportsman of the Year 2015
24 years of professional career (2002–2026)

THE PLAYERS

Three of the greatest figures in world tennis answered the call to honor Stan Wawrinka on the court on December 19th. Exceptional rivals and long-time friends, the four of them embody the golden age of men's tennis.

Three-time Grand Slam winner, two-time Olympic champion and former world number one, Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka have spanned the two most intense decades in men's tennis.

Retired since 2024 after a career marked by exemplary resilience, he knows better than anyone what this final step towards retirement represents. His presence alongside Stan that evening was a tribute between peers.

Twenty Grand Slam titles, 103 singles titles, and a final match at the Laver Cup in September 2022. Federer remains involved in tennis today and continues his philanthropic commitments through the Roger Federer Foundation.

Compatriot, rival and long-time friend, he is the one who knows Stan Wawrinka best — together they won the Olympic gold medal in doubles in Beijing in 2008 and the Davis Cup in 2014.

Monfils has built a truly magnificent career: 11 ATP titles, semi-final appearances at Roland-Garros and the US Open, and he too will be playing his final season in 2026—a coincidence that gives his presence on December 19th a special resonance. A loyal friend and formidable opponent, he is famous for his flamboyant style of play and extraordinary athleticism. Blending genuine emotion with pure entertainment, his presence guarantees an evening full of panache.

ANDY MURRAY

ROGER FEDERER

GAËL MONFILS

PROGRAMME
AND VILLAGE

3:00 PM

Village opening: entertainment, games, food and drink stalls, mini tennis and padel

4:00 PM

Autograph session

5:00 PM

Exhibition match of padel with the best Swiss players

6:00 PM

Live music concert

7:30 PM

Pre-show on center court

8:00 PM

Singles match:

Stan Wawrinka vs Gaël Monfils

Doubles match:

Stan Wawrinka - Roger Federer vs

Gaël Monfils - Andy Murray

10:30 PM

Farewell ceremony

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*program subject to change

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HOSPITALITY PACKAGES

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PRACTICAL INFORMATION

VENUE
Palexpo · Geneva
Route François-Peyrot 30
1218 Le Grand-Saconnex, Switzerland

ACCESS & TRANSPORTATION
Palexpo is located in the immediate vicinity of Geneva Airport and 10 minutes from the city centre, benefiting from excellent transport links. The entire site is fully accessible to people with reduced mobility.

By public and private transport:

By train:

A 10-minute walk from Geneva Airport train station, which offers numerous connections throughout Switzerland. From Geneva Cornavin station (12 min), Lausanne (~45 minutes), Zurich (3 hours).

By bus:

Lines 5, 8, 50, 55, 58, 59 (stop “Palexpo”)
Lines 28, 54, 66 (stop “Palexpo-Halle 7”)
Lines 10, 23, 57 (stop "Geneva-Airport" + 10 min. walk)

By car:

Covered parking (P12) with 1,500 spaces accessible 24/7. Spaces reserved for people with reduced mobility near the entrance.

For more information

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OFFICIAL HOTELS

Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva

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Hilton Geneva Hotel and Conference Center

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SOCIAL COMMITMENT

Stan Wawrinka's influence extends far beyond the world of competition. His career has helped promote tennis in Switzerland, encouraging younger generations to take up the sport and believe in their potential. By embodying Swiss excellence on the international stage whilst remaining deeply attached to his roots, Stan Wawrinka continues to strengthen the pride of an entire community and inspire the champions of tomorrow.

One Last Backhand is committed to donating a share of the profits to these two foundations.

FEDERER FOUNDATION

For over 20 years, the Roger Federer Foundation has worked alongside governments, partners, and local communities to give children the best possible start in life. It collaborates with key stakeholders on the ground, strengthening and supporting local initiatives to expand opportunities for young children.

SEE WEBSITE

LEMAN HOPE

After cancer, returning to a "normal" life is no simple matter for young people — the consequences are very real, both in the short and long term. The Leman Hope Foundation supports young people in remission from cancer in Switzerland, restoring their confidence through sailing and adventure.