Wawrinka – “Happy with What I Achieved Here in Wimbledon”

For Stan Wawrinka, his journey with Wimbledon is at an end, but he will leave with special memories of the most famous tournament in the world.

The 41-year-old Wawrinka, who will retire at the end of this season, played his final match at SW19 on Tuesday.

In a riveting four set battle on Court No.1, Matteo Berrettini defeated Wawrinka 6-7(7), 7-6 (16), 7-6(7), 7-6(5) to reach the second round.

After the match, Wawrinka shared his thoughts about his final year on tour.

“For me, it’s the best feeling ever to see the young kids, first, being in tournaments, and of course supporting me. That’s always going to be special,” Wawrinka said. “One of the reasons why I kept playing for so long is because of the fans and because the emotion I can get and share with them when I’m playing matches.

“Tonight, again, was really special. Amazing support, amazing atmosphere, playing against Matteo who is a great friend, great guy. We had a good battle, and I’m happy with that match tonight.”

“He’s a legend and he showed it today,” Berrettini said of Wawrinka. “Unbelievable player, unbelievable competitor. I remember in 2014, I was playing the juniors here and I snuck into Centre Court, he was playing against Roger (Federer). It was a big honor to play against him here, on Court 1. I feel so honored, so grateful.”

Berrettini ran after Wawrinka after the match to make sure he had one of the coveted Wimbledon towels as a memento of his last match.

The three-time major champion and former World No. 3 received a wildcard into this year’s Championships that allowed him to compete one last time on its famed lawns.

“It’s always special as a player. I think you’re always going to feel different here when you arrive. I think the history of the game, the history of tennis is really unique here,” Wawrinka said about playing at Wimbledon. “As much as it’s always nice to watch on TV when you’re younger, the first time you came here, the emotion you get just by walking around is really special. And more than twenty years later, I still have the same feeling when I come back here.

“I think it’s something really amazing as a tournament, for tennis, for the fans, and for us, the players.”

The Swiss great won the other three majors, but never got past the quarterfinals at the All England Club. He noted that back in the day, the grass court season was shorter, and that was one reason he could not gain much confidence with his game on grass. He still feels proud of his two trip to the quarterfinals at Wimbledon, and his 23 career wins in 19 appearances. 

“At the end, I think I did the maximum I could, the same as the other Grand Slams,” Wawrinka said. “I think making (the) quarterfinals was already a great result was already a great result for me, and I’m happy with what I have achieved here in Wimbledon.”