Wawrinka's emotional US Open finale ends in defeat to Berrettini

NEW YORK, Aug 31 : Former champion Stan Wawrinka lost to Italy's Matteo Berrettini 7-6(4) 7-6(3) 6-0 in the first round of the U.S. Open on Monday, with the 41-year-old Swiss national playing his final Grand Slam tournament before retiring at the end of the season.

In front of a packed crowd on Grandstand, Wawrinka repeatedly threatened to turn the match around before Berrettini, 30, found ways to shut the door, as the pair produced another rollercoaster after their dramatic clash at this year's Wimbledon.

The 2016 champion fell behind early but sparked the crowd into life, breaking to love when Berrettini served for the opening set to pull level.

Wawrinka then earned a set point in a marathon game, but Berrettini survived four deuces to force a tiebreak. The younger player held his nerve again, winning three consecutive points to take the opener.

The second set offered Wawrinka another opening as a brief rain interruption was followed by an early break of Berrettini's serve.

But Wawrinka could not make his advantage count. He had seven break points, including three set points, yet Berrettini repeatedly found a way out before breaking back and forcing another tiebreak, which he won to move within a set of victory.

The third set brought no let-up, with the opening game stretching to 16 minutes after a frustrated Berrettini unsuccessfully challenged a call involving a possible double hit.

Yet Berrettini, former world number six, emerged from the long battle with the first of three breaks to serve up a bagel that ended Wawrinka's glittering Grand Slam career.

"It's been 20 years since the first time I came here. It was amazing for me to feel the New York vibes throughout the years. I found the way to play my best tennis here,"