Arabic version: فافرينكا يتلقى وداعاً مؤثراً في بطولة الولايات المتحدة المفتوحة

According to BBC News, three-time major champion Stan Wawrinka received an emotional send-off after playing the final Grand Slam match of his career at the US Open. The 41-year-old Swiss, who will retire at the end of the season, was close to tears after Italy’s Matteo Berrettini beat him in straight sets.

Wawrinka won the US Open in 2016 and had initially been overlooked for a wildcard. He received a late place after American recipient Patrick Kypson withdrew, learning of the decision on Wednesday after returning to the Swiss mountains from New York. Wawrinka quickly rearranged travel plans to return across the Atlantic for one final appearance at a venue he said he loved.

Thousands filled the 8,000-capacity Grandstand court, with fans arriving early and queuing to watch what became his Grand Slam goodbye. Wawrinka made heart gestures, placed a hand on his heart and encouraged louder cheers before hitting balls into the stands as souvenirs. Berrettini led the applause and gave Wawrinka a warm hug at the net.

Wawrinka had set points in both of the opening sets, one in the first and three in the second, but Berrettini saved them before pulling away in the third. After the match, US Open chief executive Craig Tiley presented Wawrinka with a photo montage of his tournament triumph. Wawrinka, also the 2014 Australian Open and 2015 French Open champion, said he was “super grateful” for the farewell and for the response from fans during his career.