Matteo Berrettini delivered a dramatic upset on 7 July 2026, eliminating three‑time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka in the first round of Wimbledon. The Italian powered through four tie‑breaks, winning 7‑6 (9‑7), 6‑7 (16‑18), 6‑7 (7‑9), 6‑7 (5‑7) to hand the Swiss star a tear‑filled farewell.
What happened on Centre Court?
Wawrinka entered the tournament on a wildcard, having announced his retirement at the end of the season. The 41‑year‑old fought valiantly, stretching each set to a tie‑break. Berrettini, seeded 12th, matched his opponent shot for shot, serving 12 aces and converting three break points in the first set. The match swung back and forth, but the Italian’s relentless baseline aggression eventually wore down the Swiss veteran.
Why the win matters for Matteo Berrettini
The victory adds a high‑profile win to Berrettini’s 2026 campaign, reinforcing his status as a top‑10 contender on grass. Beating a former Grand Slam champion in a historic venue boosts his confidence ahead of the upcoming ATP 500 events. Moreover, the win showcases his mental toughness; surviving three consecutive tie‑break losses and still prevailing is a rare feat on the tour.
How the tennis world reacted
Fans and former players flooded social media with praise for both athletes. Wawrinka’s emotional post‑match interview highlighted his gratitude for the wildcard and the support of Wimbledon fans. Berrettini offered a heartfelt gesture, presenting Wawrinka with a Wimbledon towel in the tunnel, a moment captured by broadcasters worldwide. Commentators noted that Berrettini’s sportsmanship elevated the narrative beyond a simple upset.
What’s next for Matteo Berrettini?
With the first‑round win secured, Berrettini now eyes a quarter‑final clash against the tournament’s 8th seed, Taylor Fritz, scheduled for 9 July. Analysts predict a tight battle, given Berrettini’s recent form and his ability to dominate on fast surfaces. A deep run at Wimbledon could propel him into the top five of the ATP rankings, a milestone he has chased since his 2021 US Open final appearance.
The broader significance of Wawrinka’s farewell
Wawrinka became the fourth Grand Slam champion to bow out in a first‑round match at Wimbledon, joining legends such as Serena Williams, Marin Cilic, and Bianca Andreescu. His departure marks the end of an era for Swiss tennis, while Berrettini’s triumph ensures the spotlight shifts to the next generation of European power hitters.
The match will be remembered not just for the scoreline but for the sportsmanship displayed. Berrettini’s gesture in the tunnel underscored the respect shared among elite players, even as they compete for the sport’s biggest stages. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will remain on the Italian as he seeks to add another Grand Slam title to his résumé.