Three-time major champion Stan Wawrinka experienced a wave of affection at the US Open after receiving an emotional send-off following the final Grand Slam match of his professional career. The 41-year-old Swiss veteran looked close to tears as he was greeted with a rapturous reception from the stands following a straight-set defeat against Italy's Matteo Berrettini.
A Last-Minute Wildcard and Grand Stand Atmosphere
Wawrinka, who famously triumphed at the US Open in 2016, had initially been overlooked by tournament organisers for a wildcard entry. However, a last-minute reprieve arrived following the withdrawal of American recipient Patrick Kypson. The belated decision proved entirely justified as thousands of supporters packed into the 8,000-capacity Grandstand court at Flushing Meadows to witness the occasion.
As the match concluded, Wawrinka made heart gestures with his fingers and placed his hand over his heart to show his deep appreciation. Amid massive cheers ringing in his ears, the former world number three encouraged the crowd to pump up the noise before hitting tennis balls into the stands as special souvenirs for the fans who had arrived early and waited in long queues.
A Hard-Fought Contest on Court
On the court, 2021 Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini made his veteran opponent pay for missed opportunities. Wawrinka held set points in each of the first two sets, including one in the opener and three more in the second set, but Berrettini fought them off and comfortably ran away with the third set.
Following the match, Berrettini led the applause at the net before giving Wawrinka a warm hug. Chief executive Craig Tiley presented Wawrinka with a special photo montage commemorating his 2016 US Open triumph. Groups of supporters in the stands proudly wore 'Stan the Man' T-shirts to honour his enduring legacy.
Reflecting on his journey, Wawrinka noted that one of the reasons he kept playing until age 41 was to experience moments like this. Having received the wildcard news on Wednesday while back in the Swiss mountains just two days after returning from New York, he quickly rearranged his travel across the Atlantic to say goodbye to one of his most beloved venues.
