Stan Wawrinka Receives Emotional US Open Farewell After Final Grand Slam Match

Stan Wawrinka's final Grand Slam appearance ended with an emotional farewell at the US Open after the 41-year-old Swiss lost in straight sets to Italy's Matteo Berrettini. BBC Sport reported that Wawrinka, who plans to retire at the end of the season, was given a loud reception by spectators on the Grandstand court at Flushing Meadows.

Watch the highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t09ZApKnZGE

The three-time major champion had initially missed out on a tournament wildcard. His place became available only after American player Patrick Kypson withdrew, prompting organisers to offer Wawrinka a late entry. According to the BBC, Wawrinka learned of the decision on Wednesday after he had already returned to the Swiss mountains from New York, forcing him to arrange another transatlantic trip.

Thousands of fans filled the 8,000-capacity venue for the occasion, with queues forming early as spectators sought a place at what could be his last major match. Wawrinka responded to the support after the contest by making heart gestures, placing a hand on his chest and encouraging the crowd to raise the volume before hitting balls into the stands as souvenirs.

Berrettini, the 2021 Wimbledon finalist, denied Wawrinka opportunities to extend the match. The Swiss held one set point in the opening set and three more in the second, but Berrettini saved all four before taking control of the third. The Italian then led the applause and embraced Wawrinka at the net after completing the victory.

Wawrinka addressed the crowd after the match and thanked the tournament for the wildcard, saying it mattered to finish at the venue where he captured the 2016 US Open title. Tournament chief executive Craig Tiley also presented him with a photo montage commemorating that championship. The BBC reported that Wawrinka appeared close to tears during the ceremony.

The farewell marked the closing Grand Slam chapter of a career that also included the 2014 Australian Open and 2015 French Open titles, as well as a rise to world number three. Wawrinka said the reception affirmed his decision to continue competing until 41 and reflected the bond he built with supporters through two decades of fighting and pushing himself on court. He is expected to complete the remainder of the season before retiring.