Stan Wawrinka, 38, is left in TEARS after losing the Croatia Open amid doubts about his future in the sport

Stan Wawrinka burst into tears after his painful defeat in the final of the Croatia Open against Alexei Popyrin on Sunday.

The 38-year-old, overcome with emotion, told fans he will ‘hopefully’ be back next year amid doubts over his future in the sport.

“I know it’s stupid to cry, but I love this sport so much. You (the fans) really make it special. Great week,” he said during his post-game interview on the pitch.

“Hopefully I can come back. Thank you for the support. Thank you for your presence. Hopefully I’ll see you next year.’

Popyrin showed immense class and added: ‘You are a legend of this sport. It’s an honor for me to play a final against you.

“I grew up rooting for you. I rooted for you in every Slam final you played. Honest man, I love you and I love the love you have for the sport.’

Wawrinka has been plagued by injuries in recent years and is now ranked 49th in the world rankings – a far cry from the number 3 he was at the peak of his power in 2014.

The three-time Grand Slam winner has had a disappointing season so far.

He was dumped in the first round of the Australian Open by Alex Molcan, followed by a second round defeat of the French Open to Thanasi Kokkinakis and a complete dismantling at the hands of Novak Djokovic in a third round tie at Wimbledon.

Speaking in March, Wawrinka made it clear that he intends to keep playing until he stops enjoying the sport. But his tearful farewell in Umag suggests his career is nearing its end.

‘Of course it’s always special. That’s one of the main reasons why I keep playing tennis,” Wawrinka told the ATP.

‘I enjoy what I do. I’m passionate about it. The emotion I get from the fans, from the people in every tournament, from the support I can get in matches will always be special.

‘I want to enjoy that as much as possible, because the day I stop there will never come back.’