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Jiri Lehecka ended Stan Wawrinka's career then refused to talk about himself during his post-match interview as he paid tribute to the Swiss legend. World No.21 Lehecka defeated Wawrinka 7-5, 7-6 at the Swiss Indoors on Tuesday night in front of a partisan crowd at the St. Jakobshalle in Basel. It was the 41-year-old's last-ever match and ended a glittering 23-year career, with three-time Grand Slam champion Wawrinka celebrated as a hero by the Switzerland crowd.
The former world No.3 calls time on his playing career with 16 titles to his name, including three Grand Slams - the 2014 Australian Open, 2015 French Open and 2016 US Open.
'Stanimal' also won an Olympic gold medal in the doubles alongside Roger Federer at Beijing 2008 and led Switzerland to their only ever Davis Cup title in 2014.
His opponent, Czechia's Lehecka, said: "It's not my first time experiencing something like that. I remember two-and-a-half years ago I was in a similar situation playing against Rafa [Nadal] in Madrid. What can I say?
"I don't really think today is the time to describe what I did right, what I did wrong. Today is about something more. It's about celebrating Stan's legacy, celebrating his career, celebrating what he did.
"I will just keep it short, I just want to congratulate him on his career. I wish him all the best. It's been a pleasure to share the court with him. Of course there has been a lot of matches [of his] that I saw.
"He was one of the guys who was playing unbelievably. He won the biggest tournaments. For me to be here in his moment is a little bit weird but at the same time it's a pleasure and I will never forget this match."
At the opening ceremony on Monday, before the tournament began, Wawrinka received a special video tribute from a selection of his rivals, including Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.
"You are one of the most passionate tennis players I have ever met," said Djokovic, who defeated Wawrinka in two Slam finals.
"I have enormous respect and admiration for you as a person, but also for what you have achieved and what you continue to accomplish."
Wawrinka's Olympic doubles partner Federer reflected: "From the bottom of my heart, congratulations on your incredible career. It's unbelievable what you've achieved.
"It's wonderful that we were able to experience so much together. Thank you so much. These are things I will never forget, and I hope you won't forget either, of course." He added in French: "I'm thinking of you. I miss you, and I love you, my friend."
Wawrinka ends his career as one of only three players to defeat Djokovic, Federer, Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal at Grand Slams. Tomas Berdych and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga are the only other to achieve the feat.
Despite ending his career at home in Basel, Wawrinka will also host an exhibition in Geneva on December 19. Murray, Federer and Gael Monfils will all join the veteran on court.
Wawrinka will play a one-set singles match against Monfils before teaming up with Federer to play Murray and Monfils in a doubles match at the 'One Last Backhand' event.
Wawrinka explained: "It's a way to do something a bit more light-hearted, because I know that in Basel - while it will be a beautiful occasion - it's also going to be quite heavy. It's an emotional experience."
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