Stan Wawrinka and Matteo Berrettini have already been in touch with each other following their epic clash at Wimbledon.
Featuring at the Grand Slam for the final time before retirement, Wawrinka took the first set before losing the next three, with all four going to a tiebreak.
Court 1 played host to the thrilling encounter at Wimbledon between the two ATP icons, who have since been quick to share their admiration for one another.
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Stan Wawrinka and Matteo Berrettini exchange messages after Wimbledon epic
After losing the first round clash, Wimbledon wildcard Wawrinka posted on his Instagram: “Congrats my friend [Matteo Berrettini], was a pleasure playing you.
“Thank you [Wimbledon] for the memories, the emotions and the love throughout all these years.
“It would be sad if it wasn’t sad.
“Forever grateful.”
And Berrettini shared a post of his own, writing on his Instagram: “The essence of this sport: fight and respect at the highest level!
“What a privilege and honor sharing the court one last time with a legend of our sport [Stan Wawrinka].
“Thanks for the support and the unbelievable atmosphere you guys created, I feel lucky and blessed.”
It truly was a special occasion at the All England Club, with the two players only able to be separated after more than four hours of high-quality action.
Wimbledon make correct call with Stan Wawrinka
Wawrinka gave it everything against Berrettini, who now must make a quick recovery for the second round at SW19.
And he hasn’t exactly been lucky following his mammoth effort in round one, with 20th seed Arthur Fils now awaiting the Italian.
Meanwhile, Swiss legend Wawrinka will be eager to dust himself off and prepare for his next event as he continues his farewell to tennis.
Wawrinka hasn’t ruled out coaching when he does retire, but it could understandably be some time before he makes a return once he hangs up his racket.
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For now, he can be very proud of his efforts, while Wimbledon can rest in the knowledge that the wildcard given to him was not wasted.
Even though he lasted just one match, the 41-year-old helped create one of the matches of the tournament, which finished 7-6(9-7), 6-7(16-18), 6-7(7-9), 6-7(5-7).
Moreover, it would have been a real shame had the three-time Grand Slam champion been overlooked, which was unfortunately the case for home favorite Dan Evans among others.
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