Stan Wawrinka’s Wimbledon journey came to an emotional end on Tuesday as the three-time Grand Slam champion fought back tears after his final appearance at the All England Club, receiving a standing ovation following a spirited first-round defeat to Matteo Berrettini.
The 41-year-old Swiss, who announced in December that 2026 would be the final season of his career, signed off from Wimbledon after a hard-fought 7-6 (7), 6-7 (16), 7-6 (7), 7-6 (5) loss to former finalist Berrettini. Playing in the main draw for the 19th and last time after receiving a wild card, Wawrinka produced flashes of the tennis that made him one of the game’s most feared shot-makers.
The pair entertained a packed No. 1 Court with a contest that featured a marathon 34-point second-set tie-break. Wawrinka’s trademark one-handed backhand repeatedly drew applause, but Berrettini’s powerful serve proved decisive in the closing moments.
After the two embraced at the net, Wawrinka struggled to contain his emotions as he walked off the grass courts of Wimbledon for the final time.
“It is never easy to say goodbye to something that you love so much,” Wawrinka said.
“I am grateful. I would like to thank everybody because I had the chance to play one last time here. I couldn’t have dreamed of a better goodbye.”
The former world No. 3 admitted that retirement is a difficult reality to accept, even though he knows the moment has arrived.
“I don’t want to retire but I know it is time for me to stop,” he said. “One of the reasons why I kept playing for so long was to enjoy the moments like tonight.”
Wawrinka said the connection with fans has been one of the biggest reasons he continued competing well into his 40s.
“For me, it’s the best feeling ever to see the young kids, first, being in tournaments, and of course supporting me. That’s always going to be special,” Wawrinka said.
“One of the reasons why I kept playing for so long is because of the fans and because of the emotion I can get and share with them when I’m playing matches.
“Tonight, again, was really special. Amazing support, amazing atmosphere, playing against Matteo who is a great friend and a great guy. We had a good battle, and I’m happy with that match tonight.”
The Swiss also thanked Wimbledon organisers for granting him a wild card, allowing him one final opportunity to compete at the Championships.
“It’s always special as a player. The history of the game and the history of tennis are really unique here,” he said.
“As much as it’s always nice to watch on TV when you’re younger, the first time you come here, the emotion you get just by walking around is really special. More than 20 years later, I still have the same feeling when I come back here.”
Although Wimbledon remained the only Grand Slam where he never reached the semi-finals, Wawrinka said he had no regrets about his record on grass.
“I think I did the maximum I could, the same as the other Grand Slams,” he said. “Making the quarter-finals was already a great result for me, and I’m happy with what I have achieved here in Wimbledon.”
Reflecting on his farewell season, Wawrinka said his focus remains on competing until the very end.
“So far it’s been a great year. I have been playing some good tennis and some good matches,” he said.
“I always wanted to be as competitive as possible in all those tournaments, and that’s what I’m trying to do until the last tournament. I’m always trying to push myself and trying to win a couple of matches.”
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