Although initially the US Open organizers did not grant a wildcard to the Swiss player playing his final career season, after one of the Americans withdrew, S. Wawrinka was given access to the main tournament.
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In the first round match, the 41-year-old veteran lost 6:7(4), 6:7(3), 0:6 to Italy’s Matteo Berrettini (ATP-43), but left the court with his head held high – fighting until the last moments.
Soon, a special tribute ceremony took place on the packed court for the tennis player who won three Grand Slam trophies in the era of Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray, one of which – in 2016 – was right here in New York.
“It has been 20 years since my first visit to New York. The first visit to this city was simply impressive, and over the years I received more and more support from you here. I enjoyed it and played the best tennis of my career right here. Today was another proof of why I play at the age of 41. It is because of the moments you give me. I am extremely grateful for the wildcard, as it was very important for me to finish my Grand Slam career in New York. I will miss it very much,” the Swiss said with tears in his eyes.
In the US Open championships, S. Wawrinka won a total of 46 matches and suffered 17 losses. In addition to the 2016 champion title, he also reached two semifinals in 2013 and 2015.
The former world No. 3 still has a few tournaments left on the ATP tour, and he will officially say goodbye to tennis at the ATP 500 series event in Basel.
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