Stan Wawrinka’s Grand Slam career came to an end at the US Open after he was beaten in the first round by Matteo Berrettini during an emotional encounter.
The Swiss 41-year-old, who entered the tournament with the help of a last-minute wildcard, put up a valiant fight before falling 7-6(3), 7-6(4), 6-0 to Berrettini. It brings to an end Wawrinka’s 21-year career in major events, with New York being his 78th main draw appearance. During the era of the Big Three, he is one of the very few players to have won multiple Grand Slam titles. One of which was at the 2016 US Open.
“It was an amazing atmosphere. That’s, for me, the most important thing is one more opportunity to play in this tournament,” said Wawrinka.
“It was a good level for two sets. I had many opportunities in the first and second, but I couldn’t take them. It’s always more difficult when you win less matches to get the confidence to finish those sets.
“Knowing that it was my last time here, it’s never easy. Especially when you love something so much and you enjoy it so much.”
Whilst he might have struggled on the Tour in recent times, Wawrinka has been known as a big-time player who thrives on the main stage. Illustrated by the fact that he has won 160 major matches, which is the fifth-highest tally among male players this century (played from 2000 until now). Only Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray have won more than him.
The former world No.3 is relishing his final year on the Tour, especially the support he has received from fans around the world.
“When I announce it (his retirement), the love I receive in every single match I played and every tournament I play. I feel super grateful for that.” He said.
“It’s showing me that maybe I did the right thing all those 20 years by always trying to give, always trying to fight, always showing up, always trying to do my best and always trying to push my own limits in the sport.
“This is what, for me, was the most important. What I get from the fans when I play.”
Wawrinka made his US Open debut in the same year as Djokovic in 2005. The Serbian also lost in the first round, losing to Argentina’s Mariano Navone. Djokovic struggled physically throughout the five-set clash and was sick multiple times. Something he links to an ongoing health issue he is dealing with.
Some are speculating that the ongoing issue might push Djokovic closer to following Wawrinka’s footsteps and retiring from the sport.
“We all saw he was struggling physically. We don’t know exactly what, so of course, it was not easy,” Wawrinka commented.
“If you look at the year he’s having, in the Grand Slams he is making finals, semifinals. It was the first time (he has lost) in the first round here, so of course, it was tough for him. But I think as long as he’s playing, he knows he’s going to be really dangerous.”
Wawrinka will end his career at the Basel Open later this season after winning 16 Tour-level titles. Among his accolades are three major titles, an Olympic gold medal in doubles shared with Roger Federer and one Masters 1000 title.
As for the secret to his longevity on the Tour, he puts it down to adaptability.
“All those 20, 22 years, 25 years, I always tried to find the best way possible to play my best level with the evolution of the game, with the evolution of the opponents you’re going to play and the player and the tournaments.” He explained.
“It’s always the focus on that. How can you improve on where you are today.”
