Wawrinka bows out of final Wimbledon after loss to Berrettini

Stan Wawrinka's final Wimbledon campaign ended in the first round on Tuesday, as he was defeated by Matteo Berrettini in a grueling four-hour, 20-minute match. The Swiss star, who has earned significant admiration over his career, received a warm ovation from the Centre Court crowd following the contest.

The 41-year-old Wawrinka, a celebrated figure in tennis, made his Grand Slam breakthrough by winning the 2014 Australian Open. He went on to secure titles at the French Open and the U.S. Open in subsequent years, cementing his legacy as one of the sport's greats. He had previously expressed his intention to conclude his storied playing career at the end of 2026.

Despite a strong showing in Melbourne earlier this year, reaching the third round, Wawrinka faced an early exit in Paris and now at Wimbledon. His final appearance in London saw him fall in four sets to the 2021 runner-up, Berrettini, in a physically demanding match. "It's never easy to say goodbye to something you love so much," an emotional Wawrinka stated after the match. "I don't want to retire, but I know it's time."

Berrettini will now advance to face Frenchman Arthur Fils in the next round. Wawrinka's departure marks the end of an era for many fans who have followed his remarkable journey through the Grand Slams.

“

It's never easy to say goodbye to something you love so much. I don't want to retire, but I know it's time.