Goodbye to Wawrinka – an everyman who gatecrashed the greats

Stan Wawrinka's glorious career – which brought him three Grand Slam titles in a golden era – ends after an honourable defeat on an emotional night in Basel. Stan Wawrinka was beaten but not outclassed by world number 21 Jiri Lehecka on a night of celebration in Basel Whether through technique or toil, Stan Wawrinka has always been able to whip fans into a frenzy. The ability to stir the emotions of a crowd never left him – even in what proved to be the final tour-level match of the 41-year-old Swiss star's glorious career. Former world number three Wawrinka might have lost to Czech opponent Jiri Lehecka in front of passionate home support in Basel on Tuesday, but he did not wave farewell without showing the hallmarks of a stunning career that exceeded expectations.

The stylish one-handed backhand down the line. The finger pointing to the temple. The demand for more noise from the stands. The roar of "Allez!" after winning a point he probably should not have won. The temptation to snap his racquet over his knee after missing a shot he felt he should have made. Wawrinka, his family, and his team were dabbing their eyes once the reality of an honourable 7-5 7-6 (7-2) defeat dawned. It meant a professional career spanning 23 years, 985 matches