“One of the reasons why I kept playing until 41”: Stan Wawrinka delivers emotional US Open farewell
ATPTuesday, 01 September 2026 at 06:30
Stan Wawrinka's Grand Slam career is over, but his final US Open appearance gave the 41-year-old one last chance to compete in the city where he produced one of the defining performances of his career. The former champion lost to Matteo Berrettini 7-6(4), 7-6(4), 6-0, with the first two sets decided by tie-breaks before his level dropped sharply in the final set.
Wawrinka had only made it into the 2026 US Open after receiving a late wildcard following Patrick Kypson's withdrawal. The former world No. 3 had initially been left out despite making clear that he wanted one final appearance in New York, creating an unlikely late twist in what was supposed to be his final Grand Slam.
The Swiss ultimately got his farewell against Berrettini, the same opponent who had beaten him in another marathon battle at Wimbledon earlier this summer. That match lasted more than four hours and featured four tie-breaks; their New York meeting produced another two tight sets, with Berrettini winning both 7-6(4) before Wawrinka ran out of answers.
The defeat brought an end to more than two decades of Wawrinka's Grand Slam career, including three major titles and his memorable 2016 US Open triumph over Novak Djokovic. But before leaving Flushing Meadows, the Swiss had one final message for the crowd that had followed him through his career.
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Wawrinka gets his New York goodbye
Wawrinka's speech focused less on the defeat and more on the relationship he had built with the US Open over more than 20 years. He first arrived in New York for qualifying and eventually became champion, while his farewell ceremony included footage from his most important moments at the tournament.
“For me, it's been more than 20 years since the first time I came here in New York," he said during his speech after the match. "I remember when I played the qualies the first year. It was impressive for me to feel the New York vibes, the energy of this tournament. But over the years, I received so much support, so much love because of you, so I really enjoyed that.”
His connection with New York was also part of the reason he continued playing into his 40s. Wawrinka had already confirmed that 2026 would be his final season, but the opportunity to finish his Grand Slam career at the US Open gave him something he had initially feared losing when the tournament's original wildcard list was announced.
“And tonight again, one of the reasons why I kept playing until 41 is to live those moments like you gave me tonight, like you gave us tonight. Amazing support, so thank you so much.”
A final match, and a final limit
There was little separating Wawrinka and Berrettini through the opening two sets. The Swiss twice found himself in a position to extend the match, including serving for the second set, but Berrettini recovered and won another tie-break. It was the fifth consecutive tie-break the Italian had won against Wawrinka across their Wimbledon and US Open meetings.
The third set was dramatically different. Berrettini raced through it 6-0, ending Wawrinka's final Grand Slam match after two hours and 15 minutes. The result leaves the Swiss with three major titles — the 2014 Australian Open, 2015 Roland Garros and 2016 US Open — and a career that also reached No. 3 in the ATP rankings.
Wawrinka, however, framed the end through the motivation that had kept him competing long after his peak years. His final Grand Slam appearance came a decade after his greatest moment in New York, when he defeated Djokovic in four sets to win the 2016 title.
“I went back to Switzerland, and when I came back, I would like to thank the tournament for the wild card," the former world No. 3 said. "Because for me, this opportunity to finish here was really meaningful for myself, so I'm super grateful to have received the wild card. Because it was something important for me to have the opportunity to finish the four Grand Slams here in New York, 10 years after winning.”
There was no attempt to disguise what comes next. Wawrinka will continue through the remainder of the 2026 season before retirement, but the Grand Slam chapter has now closed on the same court where he reached the highest point of his career. His final words made clear that the competitive fire remains, even if the limit has finally arrived.
“I'm going to miss it, for sure. I'm going to miss it big time. Thank you, thank you. I love the game so much that I really tried to push until my own limit, and this year it is my own limit.”
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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