With Roger Federer watching, Stan Wawrinka makes winning return to Dubai

Stan Wawrinka got cheers from an extra-special fan in the stands at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships as Roger Federer dropped in for his countryman’s first round against Benjamin Hassan on Monday.

An eight-time champion in Dubai, Federer was making the rounds on site throughout the day, culminating with a view of Wawrinka’s 7-5, 6-3 win over Hassan.

Federer was in stands at the Australian Open earlier this year alongside Rod Laver, snapping a selfie with WTA world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka after her first-round win over Tiantsoa Sarah Rakotomanga Rajaonah.

Wawrinka is in the midst of a season-long farewell tour, having revealed plans to hang up his racquets at the end of 2026. The 40-year-old has played strong tennis this year, reaching the third round of the Australian Open and winning matches in both Montpellier and Rotterdam earlier this month.

“The reason why I was still playing was because of you, because of the love of the game and the emotions you can give me,” he said in Melbourne, saluting the fans during an on-court retirement celebration. “I’m sad to leave but it’s been an amazing journey.”

A wild card in Dubai, Wawrinka could next face former world No. 1 Daniil Medvedev, who will first take on China’s Shang Jungcheng on Tuesday.