Swiss veteran Stan Wawrinka has arrived in Australia at peace with the decision to call time on his tennis career as he targets breaking back into the world's top 100.
The former world No.3 will retire at the end of 2026, bringing down the curtain on a career that has brought three major titles over more than two decades in the professional arena.
But the 40-year-old first has his sights on reuniting with Belinda Bencic at the United Cup and another crack at the Australian Open - which he won in 2014 - in January.
"I did a good off-season and I'm happy," Wawrinka told reporters in Perth on Monday.
"The last one is not going to be easy this year, that's for sure, but I'm looking forward.
"I'm still playing some good tennis, so hopefully I can have some good results in 2026 and finish on a good note.
"I want to finish my career on a good level and still be able to play those top guys and see where I am."
Currently ranked 157th in the world, Wawrinka wrestled with his retirement decision in recent months but is having no second thoughts.
"For me, it's quite clear," he said.
"I'm happy with the decision and feeling at peace with that. And, as I say, I'm still looking forward.
"One year is long and there's a lot of tennis to play, hopefully on a good level, so I'm going to enjoy that."
Wawrinka's farewell tour starts with his first trip to Perth, where Team Switzerland's playing captain will link up with women's world No.11 Belinda Bencic at the United Cup, which starts on Friday.
The 28-year-old Bencic was recognised as the WTA's Comeback Player of the Year in 2025, after surging from world No.487 to the brink of the top 10 as a new mother.
"It's a great opportunity for us and we have a good relationship," Wawrinka said.
"She's been playing amazing tennis in the last year, so hopefully she can do that this week too."
