Stan Wawrinka: “New York is a Really Special City” — 2016 Champion Bids Emotional Farewell to Flushing Meadows
Two decades after making his main-draw debut in Flushing Meadows, former World No. 3 and 2016 champion Stan Wawrinka played his 63rd and final singles match at the US Open on Monday afternoon.
Following a hard-fought 7-6(4), 7-6(3), 6-0 first-round battle against Matteo Berrettini inside a packed Grandstand stadium, the 41-year-old Swiss icon was honored with an emotional on-court ceremony to celebrate his legendary career in New York.
Wawrinka, who announced he will retire from professional tennis at the end of the 2026 season, reflected on receiving a wild card for one last run in front of the New York crowds.
“Amazing atmosphere, that’s for sure,” Wawrinka said post-match. “That for me was the most important, having one more opportunity to play in this tournament. Of course, I was super happy to receive the wild card to come here.”
Flares of Brilliance in a Farewell Battle
Facing the 30-year-old Berrettini—who also eliminated Wawrinka at Wimbledon earlier this summer in a four-tiebreak marathon—the World No. 127 produced flashes of his trademark heavy groundstrokes and booming one-handed backhand during two tight opening sets.
While missed break-point opportunities proved decisive, Wawrinka expressed pride in his competitive level despite the physical challenges of late-career competition.
“It was a good level for two sets,” Wawrinka noted. “I had many opportunities in the first and second. I couldn’t take them. It’s, of course, always more and more difficult when you win less and less matches to get the confidence to finish those sets, so it was a bit difficult.”
“But I think the level during two sets was really high, and the atmosphere, of course—the support was really special. Knowing that it was my last time here, it’s never easy, that’s for sure, especially when you love something so much and you enjoy it so much.”
A Lasting Bond with New York
Since his debut appearance in 2005, Wawrinka built a deep connection with the Flushing Meadows faithful. His crowning moment arrived in 2016, when he defeated World No. 1 Novak Djokovic in four sets to capture his third Grand Slam title.
As he walked off the court for the final time as a player, Wawrinka focused on the mutual affection shared with the New York public over twenty years.
“I was super grateful with the support I received tonight,” Wawrinka said. “New York is a really special city. It became one of my favorite cities by far, to come here, to spend time. I have many friends here.”
“It’s the city that never sleeps. I think here the US Open is always an amazing atmosphere. You can feel the support. You can feel the way in America they love the sport. They like to make a show around that, and as a player, it’s always enjoyable.”
