Former world No. 3 Stan Wawrinka has played the final Grand Slam tournament of his professional career, bowing out in the opening round of the US Open at Flushing Meadows against Italy’s Matteo Berrettini. At 41 years old, the veteran Swiss competitor fell in straight sets, 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (7/3), 6-0, closing a chapter on a storied major tournament resume that includes three Grand Slam singles titles, including the 2016 US Open crown.
A Final Major Appearance Built on a Late Invitation
Wawrinka entered the main draw at Flushing Meadows via a late wild card granted by tournament organizers following the withdrawal of American player Patrick Kypson, who was sidelined with an injury, according to reports from international sports outlets. Throughout his final professional season, the three-time major champion received wild-card entries across all four Grand Slam events. His major campaign in 2026 featured a run to the third round at the Australian Open, followed by opening-round exits at both Roland-Garros and Wimbledon.
The draw at the All England Club earlier in the summer also featured a meeting with Berrettini, where the Italian advanced in a tightly contested four-set encounter. In New York, the matchup carried a similar competitive weight before the physical demands of the fortnight caught up to the veteran.
Tie-Break Heartbreak and a Hard-Fought Opening
The opening two sets saw Wawrinka push his younger opponent to the limit, creating multiple scoring opportunities that ultimately went unconverted. According to match accounts, Wawrinka held a set point in the opening set and earned three additional set points during the second frame. Berrettini, ranked No. 43 globally, weathered the pressure each time, controlling both tie-breaks to build a commanding two-set lead.
The third set proved lopsided as Berrettini closed out the match cleanly, handing the Swiss veteran a bagel in the final frame. Despite the lopsided finish to the scoreline, the crowd inside the Grandstand arena offered a prolonged, affectionate ovation to honor the departing champion.
Emotional Farewell at Flushing Meadows
Reflecting on his history in New York, an emotional Wawrinka addressed the crowd and media after the final point concluded. « J’ai joué mon meilleur tennis ici à New York », Wawrinka told reporters, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to say goodbye on one of the sport’s biggest stages. « J’ai eu la chance de pouvoir faire mes adieux ici (en Grand Chelem). Je voulais aller au bout de mes limites, je les ai atteintes aujourd’hui. »
Looking Ahead to December Farewells in Geneva
With his Grand Slam obligations concluded, Wawrinka’s retirement tour continues toward a formal celebration in his home country. In late June, the Swiss standout announced plans to host a dedicated farewell evening on December 19 in Geneva. That event is scheduled to feature notable figures from his generation of tennis, including former world No. 1 players Roger Federer and Andy Murray, alongside French veteran Gaël Monfils, who is also nearing the conclusion of his professional career.
Worth a look
