Stan Wawrinka Bids Farewell to the US Open: A Legend Exits to Applause, an Era Ends

New York – Tuesday night at Flushing Meadows, Stan Wawrinka stepped onto the Grandstand court for the last time. At 41, the Swiss knew this could be his final Grand Slam match. It unfolded exactly as a legend's farewell should: tense sets, breathtaking points, and then a physical collapse in the final set. The result: a 7-6(4), 7-6(3), 6-0 loss to Matteo Berrettini, former world No. 6 and 2026 US Open runner-up.

But the scoreline does not tell the whole story. Wawrinka fought with everything he had left. He had seven break points in the second set, including three set points, but could not convert. Berrettini, with his powerful serves, saved each situation. 'I just focused on finding ways to close the match,' Berrettini said after the match. 'Stan is a legend, and it was an honor to play him in his last US Open match.'

The third set was a one-sided affair: 6-0, with Wawrinka broken three times. The very first game of the set lasted 16 minutes. At 41, his stamina could not match the intensity of two tiebreak sets that lasted over an hour. It was the line between will and physiology. Wawrinka, who once defeated Djokovic, Nadal, and Murray in Grand Slam finals, could not overcome age.

The wildcard story: Public pressure and USTA's decision

Before the tournament, Wawrinka applied for a wildcard into the singles draw. He, the 2026 US Open champion, was denied. The USTA prioritized young American players. The reaction from fans and experts was fierce. 'A legend like Stan cannot be excluded from his final tournament just because of an administrative decision,' wrote a New York Times article. Outrage spread on social media. The USTA was criticized for lacking vision. Eventually, after Patrick Kypson withdrew due to injury, Wawrinka was allowed in. Public opinion saw it as a victory for justice.

'I prepared mentally for every scenario,' Wawrinka shared before the tournament. 'I am at peace with my career. Having this final chance is a gift.' That statement eased all tension – and turned the match into a celebration rather than a battle. The Grandstand stands were packed, mostly to cheer for him.

Tactical analysis: A clash of eras

Wawrinka's style belonged to the past: a powerful one-handed backhand, baseline rallies full of strength. Berrettini, with his serve and forehand, represented modern tennis. The age and fitness gap decided the match. Wawrinka tried to maintain the match in the first two sets, but Berrettini always found a way to escape. The Italian, 30, had a correct tactic: avoid long rallies, attack Wawrinka's backhand wing.

'I felt I played better than expected,' Wawrinka admitted after the match. 'But the body no longer allows it. I fought with everything.'

The third set is a key statistical data point: Wawrinka's first-serve percentage dropped sharply, serve speed decreased, and his movement became sluggish. That is a sign of exhaustion at 41. This does not diminish the match's value; on the contrary, it illustrates the heroism of an unequal fight.

Generational shift: Djokovic loses to Navone, Wawrinka departs

Simultaneously with Wawrinka's match, another shock occurred: Novak Djokovic, the No. 4 seed, was defeated by Mariano Navone, a young Argentine, in five sets. This further highlights the 'generational shift' theme at this US Open. Wawrinka, who once beat Djokovic in the 2026 Roland Garros final, is one of the last players of the golden era. Navone, 22, will face Berrettini in the second round.

The departure of Wawrinka and Djokovic's defeat open a new era. Young players like Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and now Navone are ready to take over. But Wawrinka's shadow will remain: three Grand Slam titles, world No. 3, and above all, a never-give-up fighting spirit.

Legacy and future

Wawrinka will officially retire at the end of the season. After the US Open, he has a few more tournaments on home soil and in Switzerland, but this is his last Grand Slam appearance. Throughout his career, he earned over $31 million in prize money, and his brand value remains even after peak competition. Exhibition events, tribute matches, and possibly coaching await him.

'I have no regrets,' Wawrinka said. 'I've had a wonderful journey. Thank you all.'

The US Open 2026 will be remembered as the tournament where Wawrinka said goodbye, and Navone began his story. The coming rounds will see Berrettini, with a major opportunity after Djokovic's exit, seeking a deep run. But tonight, the Grandstand belonged to a legend who departed to unending applause.