Stan Wawrinka Bids Emotional Farewell at US Open 10 Years After Triumph

Stan Wawrinka’s illustrious Grand Slam career came to an emotional close as the 41-year-old Swiss tennis star fell to Italy’s Matteo Berrettini 7-6(4), 7-6(3), 6-0 in the first round of the US Open at Grandstand.

The straight-sets defeat marked the final major tournament appearance for a player who defined an era of men’s tennis alongside the sport’s dominant quartet. Wawrinka secured a wildcard entry into the main draw after American player Patrick Kypson withdrew due to an injury, allowing the former champion to return to Flushing Meadows for a final farewell exactly ten years after his 2016 tournament victory.

An Emotional Farewell at Grandstand

The match itself slipped away after a fiercely contested opening two sets. Berrettini, who also defeated Wawrinka earlier in the year at Wimbledon, claimed the first set in a tiebreak before navigating seven break points in a tight second set to capture another tiebreak.

The Italian closed out the third set swiftly with three breaks of serve to seal the 6-0 finish. Yet the final scoreline took a back seat to the post-match atmosphere at Grandstand, where the New York crowd delivered a prolonged ovation for the veteran champion.

For me, it’s been more than 20 years since the first time I came here to New York… I’d like to thank the tournament for the wildcard. For me, this opportunity to finish here was really meaningful from my side,

Stan Wawrinka

Wawrinka’s voice broke during his on-court remarks as he reflected on two decades of competing in New York.

Ten years after taking the title, wrapping up my appearances at the fourth Grand Slam right here in New York meant a great deal to me… I truly appreciate everyone for supporting me throughout all these years,

Stan Wawrinka

He added bluntly regarding his departure from the major stage, I’m gonna miss it for sure.

A Legacy Built Against the World’s Best

Wawrinka departs the sport with three Grand Slam singles titles: the 2014 Australian Open and wins in France and New York. Operating during an era dominated by Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray, the Swiss player carved out a distinct reputation as a clutch performer who raised his level against the world’s elite.

Wawrinka reached three career Grand Slam finals and won all three, defeating the reigning World No. 1 opponent in each instance. His major championship run included defeating Rafael Nadal in Melbourne, Novak Djokovic in Paris, and Djokovic again in New York.

Across his career, Wawrinka notched five victories against World No. 1 opponents at major tournaments. He stands as one of only three players to defeat all four members of men’s tennis’s dominant generation at Grand Slam events, cementing a formidable legacy that extends far beyond total title counts.