Stan Wawrinka Receives Emotional Grand Slam Farewell in New York
Three-time Grand Slam champion receives a standing ovation in his final major appearance.
Stan Wawrinka experienced an emotional farewell at the US Open as the Swiss tennis great played the final Grand Slam match of his career. The 41-year-old, who plans to retire at the end of the season, was beaten in straight sets by Italy’s Matteo Berrettini. Yet the result quickly became secondary as thousands of fans gave Wawrinka a memorable send-off.
The three-time Grand Slam champion, who lifted the Australian Open trophy in 2014, Roland Garros in 2015 and the US Open in 2016, struggled to hold back his emotions after the match. He responded to the crowd’s tremendous support by making heart gestures with his hands and placing one hand over his heart.
The 8,000-capacity Grandstand court at Flushing Meadows was packed with fans who wanted to witness what could be Wawrinka’s final Grand Slam appearance. The atmosphere became increasingly emotional after the match, with the crowd continuing to applaud the former world number three.
Wawrinka even encouraged the spectators to make more noise before hitting tennis balls into the stands as souvenirs.
“One of the reasons I played until 41 was to live these moments,” Wawrinka said after the match.
He also expressed his gratitude for the wildcard that allowed him to return to New York. Wawrinka had initially been left out of the tournament’s wildcard selections, but received a late opportunity after American player Patrick Kypson withdrew.
The timing was particularly difficult. Wawrinka had already returned to Switzerland after leaving New York, but quickly rearranged his plans and flew back across the Atlantic to make one final appearance at a tournament that holds a special place in his career.
A final appearance at the scene of his greatest US Open triumph
Wawrinka’s connection with the US Open made the farewell even more meaningful. Ten years earlier, he had won the biggest title of his career in New York, defeating Novak Djokovic in the 2016 final.
A decade later, he returned to Flushing Meadows for his final Grand Slam match. Fans understood the significance of the occasion, arriving early and waiting in long lines to secure their places inside the Grandstand.
On court, however, Berrettini proved too strong when it mattered most.
Wawrinka had opportunities to take control of the match. He held one set point in the opening set and three more in the second, but Berrettini saved all four. The Italian then took control in the third set and completed a straight-set victory.
Although the result was not what Wawrinka had hoped for, the night ultimately became a celebration of his remarkable career.
“I always tried to fight”
After the match, Berrettini led the applause for his opponent as Wawrinka addressed the crowd. The Swiss star was also presented with a photo montage celebrating his 2016 US Open triumph.
Known throughout his career for his spectacular one-handed backhand, competitive spirit and refusal to give up, Wawrinka said the reaction from the fans meant more to him than anything else.
He reflected on the two decades he had spent competing at the highest level and said the support he received proved that he had made the right choices throughout his career.
“It showed me that I did the right thing all those 20 years by always trying to fight, always showing up, always trying to do my best, and always trying to push myself to the limits,” Wawrinka said.
With retirement planned for the end of the season, Wawrinka’s final Grand Slam chapter has now been written. Three major titles, countless memorable battles and one of tennis’ most recognizable one-handed backhands will remain as part of his legacy.
In the end, his US Open farewell was about much more than a defeat. It was a heartfelt celebration of a remarkable career — and a final thank-you from New York to one of the sport’s most respected competitors.
