Tennis world pays tribute after grand slam champ's career at Wimbledon comes to sad end

Grand slam champion Stan Wawrinka has bid an emotional farewell to Wimbledon after a heartbreaking first-round loss to Matteo Berrettini. The 41-year-old announced at the start of the year that he’ll retire at season’s end.

He was granted a wildcard into the singles draw at Wimbledon for his final ever tournament at the All England Club. The Swiss great produced a typically fighting performance against Berrettini on Tuesday night, but went down in four tie-breakers 7-6 (9-7) 6-7 (16-18) 6-7 (7-9) 6-7 (5-7).

The three-time grand slam champion waved to fans as he left the court, and fought back tears as he spoke. “I don’t want to retire but I know it’s time for me to stop,” he said. “One of the reasons I kept playing for so long was to enjoy these moments like tonight. So much emotion.

“I’m so grateful to have this opportunity. To have received a wildcard. To have the chance to play one last time in Wimbledon. It’s such a special tournament.

“As a kid you always dream about maybe being here one day. I had a chance to play it so many times. With that kind of support, it means so much to me. Thank you so much for all those years.”

Tennis world pays tribute to Stan Wawrinka

Berrettini produced a classy gesture in the tunnel when he presented Wawrinka with a Wimbledon towel as a memento. “Matteo is a good friend. He’s a great guy. He deserved to win, so congrats,” Wawrinka said.

“It’s never easy to say goodbye to something you love so much. I’ve always been passionate about the game. I’m grateful. I’d like to thank everybody because I had a chance, this opportunity to play here. I couldn’t dream of a better goodbye. Thank you so much for the support.”

Wawrinka became the fourth grand slam champion to lose in the first round, joining Serena Williams, Marin Cilic and Bianca Andreescu. One person wrote online: “We don't want you to go, Stan! What a legend!”

Another commented: “Moments like this are bigger than tennis. That’s legacy, admiration, and gratitude all in one.” While a third added: “What a match. What a player. What a career. Thank you Stan and all the very best for the future.”

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