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Three-time major champion Stan Wawrinka felt the love at the US Open after being given an emotional send-off following the final Grand Slam match of his career. <\/b><\/p>\n
The 41-year-old Swiss is retiring at the end of the season and looked close to tears as he received a rapturous reception after a straight-set defeat by Italy’s Matteo Berrettini.<\/p>\n
Wawrinka, who won the US Open in 2016, was initially overlooked by tournament organisers for a wildcard, but was given a last-minute reprieve following American recipient Patrick Kypson’s withdrawal.<\/p>\n
The belated decision can be considered well justified given the thousands who packed into the 8,000-capacity Grandstand court at Flushing Meadows.<\/p>\n
Wawrinka made heart gestures with his fingers, and put his hand on his heart, at the end of an enjoyable contest to illustrate his appreciation.<\/p>\n
With huge cheers already ringing his ears, the former world number three encouraged the crowd to make more noise before knocking balls into the stands as souvenirs of the occasion.<\/p>\n
“One of the reasons I played until 41 was to live these moments,” said Wawrinka, who also won the Australian Open in 2014 and the French Open in 2015.<\/p>\n
“I’m very grateful for this wildcard. It was very important for me to finish here, where I won a Grand Slam 10 years ago. I want to thank you all for all these years.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n