Matteo Berrettini sprints to chase Stan Wawrinka after Wimbledon star walks off

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.

Berrettini, who reached the final in 2021, won in a gruelling four hours and 20 minutes, edging past the retiring Swiss star 6-7, 7-6, 7-6, 7-6. The 41-year-old Wawrinka, handed a wildcard for his final appearance, is retiring at the end of the season. Wimbledon remains the only Grand Slam title to elude him during his distinguished career.

Wawrinka broke down in tears after playing for the final time at Wimbledon. Despite keeping his composure through retirement tributes earlier in the season, he was visibly emotional as he bid farewell to the iconic grass courts.

Unaware of what was unfolding, Wawrinka waved a final farewell and disappeared down the tunnel. But Berrettini had rushed to his towel box to retrieve a gift - the towel he had used throughout the match. The Italian sprinted after his rival, frantically waving his arms until he caught up.

The pair embraced in the corridor before Berrettini returned for his post-match interview. "He's a legend and he showed it today," Berrettini said. "Unbelievable player, unbelievable competitor."

Berrettini explained why he had pursued his opponent. "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," he added.