Stan Wawrinka played his last Grand Slam match at the 2026 US Open
Wawrinka lost to Matteo Berrettini 7-6, 7-6, 6-0 in the first round and received a big ovation as he prepares to retire at season’s end.
Stan Wawrinka played his final Grand Slam match on September 1, 2026, exiting in the first round of the US Open after a straight-sets defeat to Matteo Berrettini, 7-6, 7-6, 6-0. The 41-year-old Swiss — who has announced he will retire at the end of the season — received a warm standing ovation from the New York crowd as he left the court.
Last-minute entry, long career
Wawrinka reached the US Open main draw with a special invitation after a late vacancy opened in the field. He first appeared in New York in 2005 and returned in 2016 to lift the trophy, beating Novak Djokovic in that year’s final.
After the match Wawrinka reflected on the decision to play on late into his career. "One of the reasons I played until 41 was precisely moments like this," he said.
He added that the match underlined the path he followed over two decades: "This showed me that in these 20 years I was doing the right thing — I always fought, went out on court and tried to give my best," the Swiss veteran said.
The result in New York marks the end of Wawrinka’s appearances at Grand Slams. His three Grand Slam titles and trademark one-handed backhand leave him among the most distinctive players of his generation as he prepares to step away from the tour at season’s end.
Photo: Roland-Garros @rolandgarros (X)
