Former World No.3 Stan Wawrinka bid an emotional goodbye to New York and admitted he is going to miss it big time. The Swiss suffered a 6-7(4), 6-7(3), 0-6 loss to Italy’s Matteo Berrettini in the opening round of the US Open.

Wawrinka has already announced that the ongoing season is his last on the tour and the Monday appearance was his last at the Grand Slam level. The 41-year-old is a three-time Slam champion, and he won the New York Major in 2016 after beating Novak Djokovic.

“It has been 20 years since I first came to New York,” Wawrinka said during the post-match ceremony. “I remember the first time I came here. It was impressive for me to feel the New York vibe and the energy of this tournament.

“But over the years, I have received so much support and love. Because of you [the fans] I really enjoyed it and I found a way to play my best tennis here.”

Wawrinka received a lot of love and support from the New York crowd for his final match in the city and the veteran gave his gratitude for the same.

“Tonight, again, was the reason why I kept playing until 41,” Wawrinka said to the crowd. “[It is because of] the moments like you gave me tonight, like you gave us tonight. This is an amazing sport.”

Wawrinka expressed his gratefulness for receiving the wild card to compete at the Flushing Meadows.

“I am super grateful for the wild card because it was important for me to have the opportunity to finish playing all four Grand Slams here in New York,” Wawrinka shared. “I’m gonna miss it for sure. I’m gonna miss it big time.”