Wawrinka's Grand Slam career ends with US Open loss to Berrettini

Matteo Berrettini has ended Stan Wawrinka's Grand Slam career, defeating the Swiss legend in the first round of the 2026 US Open. The Italian's 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (7-3), 6-0 victory on August 31 sent the 41-year-old former champion into retirement and secured his own place in the second round.

How did Berrettini handle the pressure of Wawrinka's farewell?

This wasn't just any first-round match. It was the final Grand Slam appearance for Stan Wawrinka, the 2016 US Open champion. The packed Grandstand crowd was firmly behind the Swiss veteran, and he gave them hope. Wawrinka broke to love when Berrettini served for the first set and later earned a set point in a marathon game. Berrettini, however, survived four deuces to force a tiebreak, which he won.

The second set followed a similar script. A brief rain interruption was followed by an early break for Wawrinka. He had seven break points, including three set points, but Berrettini repeatedly found an escape. The Italian broke back and forced another tiebreak, which he won to move within a set of victory. The third set was a 6-0 bagel, a decisive end to Wawrinka's 20-year Grand Slam journey.

What caused the crowd to turn on Berrettini during the match?

Tension boiled over in the third set. The opening game stretched to 16 minutes after a frustrated Berrettini unsuccessfully challenged a call involving a possible double hit. According to reports, the Italian "blew up" over a Wawrinka point, stopping play. The US Open crowd voiced its frustration loudly, creating a charged atmosphere. Berrettini emerged from that long battle with the first of three breaks, ultimately channeling the controversy into focused play to close out the match.

What does this win mean for Berrettini's current form?

Beating a champion like Wawrinka in his emotional finale is a significant mental hurdle cleared. The match was another chapter in their competitive history, following a dramatic clash at the 2026 Wimbledon. Surviving multiple set points and navigating a hostile crowd shows a resilience that has sometimes been questioned during Berrettini's injury-plagued seasons. For the former world No. 6, this win is a solid start as he looks to climb the rankings once more.

Berrettini now moves forward in the tournament, carrying the momentum of a tough, emotionally charged victory. His path gets no easier, but he has proven he can handle the spotlight, even when it's not shining favorably on him.