Matteo Berrettini went sprinting off No. 1 Court at Wimbledon to chase Stan Wawrinka after beating the three-time Grand Slam champion to end his Wimbledon career. Former world No. 3 Wawrinka is retiring at the end of the season and received a wildcard in his final appearance in SW19.
Berrettini, who finished runner-up here in 2021, came through a hard-fought battle, needing four hours and 20 minutes to beat the retiring Swiss star 6-7(9) 7-6(16) 7-6(7) 7-6(5). Wawrinka, who has remain composed throughout a handful of retirement ceremonies already this season, was in tears as he said goodbye to Wimbledon – the only Grand Slam tournament he never won.
Wawrinka, 41, spent sime time signing autographs for fans. As Andrew Cotter told viewers: “We’ll hear now from Matteo Berrettini as well, I think Stan is going to hang around.” But by that point, the Italian had already run to his towel box to grab a towel.
Interviewer Lee McKenzie, who was waiting to speak to the 2021 runner-up, said: “Matteo if you could come over here when you’re… Still running.”
Meanwhile, Wawrinka was none the wiser as he waved goodbye to the hallowed grass courts for one final time, and walked 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 said while Berrettini dashed after him, 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.
Berrettini handed Wawrinka the towel he used during the match, and they embraced again 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 asked about his behaviour when he eventually arrived for his own post-match interview, explaining he wanted to give his rival a souvenir of 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…”