Full Breakdown
Stan Wawrinka’s Emotional US Open Farewell After Final Grand Slam Match
9/2/2026, 3:46:47 AM
Final Grand Slam Match – Wawrinka vs. Berrettini
Former world No. 3 Stan Wawrinka played his last Grand Slam match at the US Open, losing in straight sets to Italy’s Matteo Berrettini, 7-6, 7-6, 6-0. The Swiss veteran, age 41, entered the tournament on a last-minute wildcard after American Patrick Kypson withdrew with injury. The match, lasting about two hours and fifteen minutes, featured Wawrinka holding a set point in the first set and three set points in the second, but Berrettini saved each and forced tiebreaks before dominating the third set.
Background & Career Highlights
Wawrinka is a three-time Grand Slam champion, having captured the Australian Open in 2014, the French Open in 2015, and the US Open in 2016. He reached a career-high ranking of world No. 3 and is one of the few players of his generation to win majors against the dominant “Big Three” of Federer, Nadal and Djokovic. Heading into the US Open, he was ranked No. 127.
Wildcard Entry and Tournament Context
Initially omitted from the US Open singles draw, Wawrinka received a wildcard only after Kypson’s withdrawal. Tournament officials justified the decision, noting the “thousands” of fans who filled the 8,000-capacity Grandstand court at Flushing Meadows to witness his farewell. US Open chief executive Craig Tiley later presented Wawrinka with a photo montage of his 2016 triumph.
Match Details and Statistics
- Score: 7-6, 7-6, 6-0 in favor of Berrettini.
- Wawrinka held one set point in the first set and three in the second, and created seven break points overall.
- The first two sets each went to tiebreaks; the third set concluded after just a handful of games.
- Attendance: thousands of spectators packed the Grandstand court, creating a “rapturous” atmosphere.
Official Responses & Tournament Reactions
US Open officials highlighted the emotional significance of the farewell, with Craig Tiley describing the montage as a tribute to Wawrinka’s “glittering Grand Slam career.” Tournament organizers emphasized the importance of granting the wildcard, noting that it allowed a celebrated champion to conclude his Grand Slam journey on the same court where he won his 2016 title.
Verbatim Quotes
- “One of the reasons I played until 41 was to live these moments,” — Stan Wawrinka, three-time major champion
- “It’s been 20 years since the first time I came here. It was amazing for me to feel the New York vibes throughout the years. I found the way to play my best tennis here,” — Stan Wawrinka, three-time major champion
- “One of the reasons I played until 41 was to live these moments. I’m very grateful for this wildcard. It was very important for me to finish here, where I won a Grand Slam 10 years ago. I want to thank you all for all these years,” — Stan Wawrinka, three-time major champion
- “I’m going to miss it for sure,” — Stan Wawrinka, three-time major champion
What’s Next
Wawrinka announced he will retire at the end of the 2026 season, confirming that the US Open loss marks his final appearance in a Grand Slam event. He expressed that he will miss the tour and thanked fans for their support throughout his career.
