Stan Wawrinka Bowed Out of French Open After Final Roland Garros Match Ends in Tears

Former French Open champion Stan Wawrinka saw his final appearance at Roland Garros 2026 come to an end on Monday after a four-set defeat to Dutch player Jesper de Jong in the opening round.

The Swiss veteran, who won the title in 2015, was beaten 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 in just over three hours on Court Simonne Mathieu. The result marked the end of Stan Wawrinka's final Roland Garros, with the 41-year-old expected to retire at the conclusion of the current season.

De Jong, who entered the main draw as a lucky loser, secured the decisive break late in the fourth set before closing out the match to progress into the second round. Wawrinka created a chance to break back in the closing stages, but the Dutchman held firm under pressure.

The crowd remained heavily behind the former world number three throughout the contest despite temperatures rising above 30 degrees in Paris. Wawrinka received a standing ovation after the match as tournament organisers paid tribute to his career.

A commemorative presentation was held on court following the defeat, with Wawrinka receiving a framed section of Roland Garros clay. Video messages from former champions including Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic were also shown on the stadium screens.

“It’s hard, I don’t want to say goodbye to you here,” Wawrinka told spectators during the ceremony. He also thanked tournament staff and supporters who had followed his career over the years.

“Unfortunately, it’s my last match at Roland Garros, but thank you.”

The Swiss player responded emotionally to chants from the crowd, adding: “Me too, I love you.”

Monday’s result confirmed that Stan Wawrinka bowed out in the first round of what was his 21st appearance at the clay-court Grand Slam. Wawrinka remains one of only a handful of players to win major titles during the era dominated by Federer, Nadal and Djokovic.

De Jong, ranked 106th in the world, shifted attention back to his opponent after the match.

“To be honest, it’s not about me today,” he said. “Funny story about Stan, he was playing against my coach when I was a ball kid! It’s all about Stan today.”