Stan Wawrinka bids an emotional farewell to the US Open after his final Grand Slam match

Three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka had an emotional farewell to the US Open on Monday as his final appearance at a major ended with a 6-7(4), 6-7(3), 0-6 loss to Matteo Berrettini. The 41-year-old is expected to retire at the end of the season.

Wawrinka’s departure carried particular weight given his history in New York. It was here in 2016 that he won the third of his three Grand Slam titles, defeating Novak Djokovic in the final. Monday’s defeat in the stands marked his last appearance at a major tournament.

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“It’s been 20 years since I first came to New York,” Wawrinka said during the post-match ceremony. “I remember the first time I came here. It was impressive for me to feel the atmosphere of New York and the energy of this tournament.”

The result didn’t do much to spoil the occasion as the packed crowd repeatedly rallied behind the Swiss during a fiercely contested opening two sets. Berrettini eventually pulled away in the third, but the night belonged to Wawrinka and the memories he built in New York.

FINAL GRAND SLAM FIGHT

Wawrinka had a chance to extend his farewell. After falling behind early in the opening set, he broke Berrettini as the Italian served and later won a set point. Berrettini survived a long game before entering a tiebreaker.

The second set had a similar course. Wawrinka created seven break points, including three set points, but was unable to convert them. Berrettini again held his nerve in the tiebreak to move to one hundred wins.

Wawrinka failed to produce another counterattack in the third game. Berrettini secured three breaks to complete the win without dropping a game.

‘THE REASON I KEEP PLAYING’

The crowd’s reaction was perhaps the most moving part of Wawrinka’s farewell. Their support, he said, was the main reason he continued his career well into his 40s.

“But I’ve received so much support and love over the years. Because of you (the fans), I’ve really enjoyed it and found a way to play my best tennis here,” he said.

Stan Wawrinka conducts the crowd after losing to Berrettini at the US Open.

It is the last time he will ever conduct a Grand Slam audience.

The crowd is enjoying it and so is he.

One. Last. Time. pic.twitter.com/aEcuAep1kw— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 31, 2026

“Tonight, again, that’s why I played until I was 41. (It’s because of) moments like you gave me tonight, like you gave us tonight. This is an amazing sport.”

Wawrinka initially missed out on a place in the singles draw before receiving a last-minute wild card following the withdrawal of Patrick Kypson. This gave him the chance to complete his Grand Slam farewell at the tournament where he lifted the trophy 10 years ago.

“I’m very grateful for the wild card because it was important for me to have the opportunity to play all four Grand Slams here in New York,” Wawrinka said. “I’m definitely going to miss it. I’m going to miss it a lot.”

Wawrinka finished his US Open career with a 46-17 record, reaching the semifinals in 2013 and 2015. Berrettini advances to the second round where he will face Mariano Navon.

– The end

Issued by:

Debodinna Chakraborty

Published on:

01 Sep 2026 07:45 IST