Matteo Berrettini sprinted off No. 1 Court at Wimbledon to chase down Stan Wawrinka after defeating the three-time Grand Slam champion in what proved to be the Swiss legend's final appearance at the tournament. Former world No. 3 Wawrinka, who is hanging up his racket at the end of the season, had been handed a wildcard for his swansong at SW19.
Hard-fought victory
Berrettini, who reached the final back in 2021, ground out a hard-fought victory in a gruelling four hours and 20 minutes, edging past the retiring Swiss star 6-7(9) 7-6(16) 7-6(7) 7-6(5). Wawrinka, who had kept his composure through a string of retirement tributes earlier in the season, was visibly emotional as he bid farewell to Wimbledon — the only Grand Slam he never managed to claim.
The 41-year-old spent a few moments signing autographs for supporters in the crowd. Commentator Andrew Cotter told viewers: "We'll hear now from Matteo Berrettini as well, I think Stan is going to hang around." Yet by that point, the Italian had already bolted towards his towel box to retrieve a gift.
Chase down the tunnel
Interviewer Lee McKenzie, poised and ready to speak to the 2021 finalist, quipped: "Matteo if you could come over here when you're... Still running." Meanwhile, Wawrinka remained completely oblivious as he waved a final farewell to the iconic grass courts and disappeared back down the tunnel. "Stan, just wait. For one final time here at Wimbledon, put your hands together for Stan Wawrinka... Stan? Matteo wants to speak to you," McKenzie called out, as Berrettini sprinted after him, frantically waving his arms.
"He'll be back, he just wants to give a gift to Stan Wawrinka. Stan! Stan! Stan!" Cotter said on commentary as Berrettini also made his way down the tunnel and finally caught up to the former No. 3.
Touching gift
Berrettini handed Wawrinka the towel he had used throughout the match, and the pair embraced once more in the corridor before the Italian re-emerged on court. "You heard the appreciation from Stan Wawrinka for Matteo Berrettini and the feeling is absolutely mutual. Wawrinka is gone but we will now hear from Matteo Berrettini, speaking to Lee," Cotter added.
The world No. 51 was quizzed about his conduct when he eventually appeared for his post-match interview, revealing he had wanted to present his rival with a keepsake from his final Wimbledon appearance. "Wow. He's a legend and he showed it today," Berrettini said. "Unbelievable player, unbelievable competitor. I remember in 2014 I was playing the juniors here and I snuck in on Centre Court and he was playing against Roger and I had the big honour to play against him here on Court 1. I feel so honoured, so grateful for my career so far. That's why I ran after him, I wanted to give him the last towels that he played [with] here. I think it's a great memory for everybody. I wouldn't have minded keeping it but he wanted it, so.."
