Wawrinka: "The most important thing was being able to play again in New York"

Stan Wawrinka has said his last goodbye to the Grand Slams in the first round of the US Open 2026, where he lost to Matteo Berrettini, just as he did at Wimbledon a few weeks ago. However, he expressed his gratitude for being able to bid farewell to such a special tournament for him after receiving a last-minute wildcard that felt glorious. 

Despite having won the US Open in 2016 and announcing his retirement at the end of the year, the tournament had decided not to give a wildcard to Wawrinka, which generated much criticism. However, a turn of events led to a change of plans that allowed the Swiss player to receive the tribute he deserves in New York, something he highlighted in the press conference and described as a very special moment after more than two decades on the ATP tour. A gentleman on and off the court saying goodbye forever to Grand Slams with 3 of them in his resume.

Wawrinka analyzes his last Grand Slam match

It was an incredible atmosphere, without a doubt. For me, the most important thing was to have another opportunity to play in this tournament. Of course, I was very happy to receive the invitation to come. Overall, for playing the match, the level was good during the first two sets. I had many opportunities, both in the first set and the second, but I didn't take advantage of them. When you win fewer matches, it is always harder to regain confidence to finish the sets, so it was a bit tricky. 

The level during the two sets was very high, and the atmosphere and support were truly special. Knowing that it was my last time here, it's never easy, that’s for sure, especially when you love something so much and enjoy it so much. For me, reaching that level was crucial. Overall, I'm happy with my level. I'm very grateful for the support I received tonight.

Djokovic's defeat against Navone

Yes, I watched the match, of course. It was a tough match. Of course, I think Novak is always a tricky opponent, especially under these conditions, particularly here. We saw it, and he can make things very tough. We all saw that Novak was suffering physically. We don’t know exactly what was happening to him, so, of course, it wasn't easy. Overall, if we look at the year he's having, he is reaching finals and semifinals in the Grand Slams. This is the first time he lost in the first round here, so, of course, it was tough for him, but I think as long as he keeps playing, he knows he will be very dangerous.

The significance of having lifted the title in New York in 2016

New York is a very special city. It has become one of my favorite cities, for sure. I love coming here, spending time here. I have many friends here. It's the city that never sleeps, or rather, there are always many things happening in the city. You always have to find the right balance between enjoying the city and being ready for tennis. The atmosphere at the US Open is always incredible. You feel the support. You can feel how much they love this sport in the United States. They like to put on a show around it, and as a player, it's always a pleasure.

Wawrinka talks about the Hall of Fame ceremony for Federer

I watched many highlights. I think it was incredible, as it should be for him. It was truly special to see him. He has done so much for the sport, so much for tennis. Not only within tennis but in everything surrounding it, so it was truly amazing to see.

Same for him in the future?

I don't decide that, but you know, I’m finishing this year playing. It's my last year. I try to do what's right to finish in the best way possible, so that has always been the most important thing for me.

Memories with Nishikori

He is an incredible player, a master of shots, but also an incredible person. We have played together for 15 years on the tour. We have trained together many times. I think those two matches at the US Open were of very high level. In 2014, he beat me in five sets, and I beat him in 2016 in four sets in the semifinals. I think he has always been a super tough and challenging player. He read the game. He moved very quickly and took advantage of your speed, so it was always a difficult challenge to play against him.

How does Wawrinka want people to remember his tennis?

I never try to do things for people to remember me in one way or another.
For me, the only thing I see in my last year is the affection I receive in every match and every tournament. So I feel extremely grateful. It also shows me that maybe I did the right thing over these 20 years: I always tried to give, I always tried to fight, I was always present, I always tried to do my best, I always tried to push my own limits in this sport. This is the most important thing for me: what I receive from the fans when I play.

Changes in tennis and in himself since his title in New York

I think it’s just the evolution of life in a career, in a long career. Ten years have passed. Of course, you see the game a little differently. It is also played differently, because sometimes the body doesn’t allow you to play as you’d like. I think the physical condition has also changed a bit. It's just the normal evolution of ten years in a sport that is one of the toughest in the world. So, for me, throughout my career, these 20, 22, 25 years, I have always tried to find the best way to play at my highest level, adapting to the evolution of the game, the evolution of rivals, of the player and of the tournaments. I always focus on how I can improve, starting from where I am today.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Wawrinka: "Lo más importante era poder volver a jugar en Nueva York"