London, 01 July (H.S.): Three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka's Wimbledon journey came to an emotional end on Tuesday as the 41-year-old Swiss veteran was eliminated in the first round by Italy's Matteo Berrettini in a gripping four-set contest.

Berrettini advanced to the second round with a 6-7 (7), 7-6 (16), 7-6 (7), 7-6 (5) victory after a marathon match lasting approximately four hours and 20 minutes.

Following the contest, spectators at the All England Club gave Wawrinka a standing ovation in what is widely expected to be his final Wimbledon appearance.

Wawrinka has already announced that he plans to retire at the end of the 2026 season. He entered this year's Championships on a wild card.

The Swiss star launched his Grand Slam success by winning the Australian Open in 2014 before adding the French Open and US Open titles to his collection. Earlier this year, he reached the third round of the Australian Open but suffered a first-round exit at the French Open.

Speaking after the match on Tuesday, an emotional Wawrinka said, It is never easy to say goodbye to a sport you love so much. I don't want to retire, but I know the time has come.

With the victory, 2021 Wimbledon runner-up Matteo Berrettini progressed to the second round, where he will face France's Arthur Fils.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar