Wawrinka’s emotional US Open farewell ends in defeat to Berrettini

Stan Wawrinka’s final Grand Slam appearance ended with a 7-6(4), 7-6(3), 6-0 loss to Matteo Berrettini at the U.S. Open.

The 41-year-old Swiss former champion repeatedly gave the packed Grandstand crowd hope, but Berrettini held firm in the key moments. Wawrinka recovered from an early deficit in the opening set and broke Berrettini while he served for the set. He then earned a set point, but Berrettini survived four deuces and won the tiebreak.

Wawrinka found another opening after a short rain delay, breaking early in the second set. He had seven break points, including three set points, but could not convert them. Berrettini broke back and won another tiebreak before taking control of the final set.

The third set began with a 16-minute game after Berrettini unsuccessfully challenged a call involving a possible double hit. The Italian then claimed three breaks and completed the bagel that closed Wawrinka’s Grand Slam career.

Wawrinka won the U.S. Open in 2016 and reached a career-high ranking of No. 3. His place in this year’s singles draw came after fans protested when he was initially denied a wildcard, and American Patrick Kypson later withdrew with an injury. Berrettini, a 2019 U.S. Open semifinalist, will play Mariano Navone next.