Matteo Berrettini edged past Stan Wawrinka in a marathon first‑round Wimbledon clash on 26 June 2026, sealing the match after three consecutive tie‑breaks and a grueling four‑hour battle on Court One.

What happened?

The 2021 Wimbledon runner‑up opened the match against the 41‑year‑old three‑time major champion, and the first set slipped to a 9‑7 tie‑break in Wawrinka’s favour. Berrettini answered with a 18‑16 second‑set tie‑break, the longest of the day, leveling the score. The third set saw another 7‑9 tie‑break win for the Swiss veteran, pushing the contest to a fourth set tied at 3‑3 when the roof closed and play moved indoors.

How did Berrettini turn the tide?

Berrettini’s forehand depth and aggressive net approaches kept Wawrinka on the defensive. After saving three break points early, he forced a double‑fault at 8‑7 in the first tie‑break, then unleashed a blistering first serve that the Swiss could not return. In the marathon second tie‑break, Berrettini saved multiple set points before finally breaking through at 18‑16, showcasing stamina rarely seen on grass.

Why it matters for Matteo Berrettini

The win marks Berrettini’s first Grand Slam victory since his 2021 Wimbledon final, confirming a return to form after a French Open injury that halted his momentum. Overcoming a legend in his final Wimbledon adds a narrative boost ahead of the upcoming second round, where Berrettini will likely face a top‑10 seed. The match also demonstrates his mental resilience in high‑pressure tie‑breaks, a skill that could prove decisive in the later stages of the tournament.

What comes next?

Berrettini now awaits his second‑round opponent, scheduled for 27 June. The victory improves his Wimbledon win‑loss record to 12‑3 and lifts his ATP ranking points by 45, edging him closer to a top‑5 finish for the season. Fans will watch to see if his revived grass‑court game can carry him deeper into the Championships, especially with the roof now a factor for indoor play.

How did the crowd react?

Spectators on Court One were treated to a showcase of endurance, with applause echoing after each tie‑break. The closing of the roof drew a surge of cheers as the match shifted indoors, highlighting the dramatic shift in atmosphere that often defines Wimbledon’s later rounds.

Statistical highlights

  • First set: Wawrinka 7‑6 (9‑7)
  • Second set: Berrettini 7‑6 (18‑16)
  • Third set: Wawrinka 7‑6 (9‑7)
  • Fourth set: tied 3‑3 when play moved indoors
  • Total match time: just over four hours
  • Both players held serve throughout, with no breaks recorded.

The marathon tie‑breaks and relentless serving underline why this encounter will be remembered as one of Wimbledon 2026’s most grueling opening‑round battles.