Stan Wawrinka will kick off his final Wimbledon tournament with a blockbuster first-round match against Matteo Berrettini on June 30, 2026. The 41-year-old Swiss veteran, a two-time Wimbledon quarterfinalist, enters the grass-court major with a 7-12 win-loss record this season, facing a formidable opponent in the 2021 Wimbledon finalist.
What’s at stake for Stan Wawrinka?
Wawrinka, a three-time Grand Slam champion, is playing his farewell season. His last competitive match was a four-set loss to Jesper De Jong in the first round of the 2026 French Open. Despite his struggles this year, the Swiss legend remains a threat on grass, where his iconic one-handed backhand can still dominate.
Berrettini, meanwhile, is returning from a hip injury that forced him to retire in the Roland Garros quarterfinals. The Italian, known for his powerful serve and forehand, holds a 12-10 win-loss record this season. This matchup pits Wawrinka’s experience against Berrettini’s grass-court prowess.
Head-to-head and key stats
This will be the first competitive meeting between Wawrinka and Berrettini. Both players bring explosive weapons to the match: Wawrinka’s legendary backhand and Berrettini’s booming serve. The Swiss veteran’s serve, in particular, is expected to thrive on Wimbledon’s slick grass, potentially racking up double-digit aces.
Prediction and betting insights
Experts predict a tight contest, with Berrettini edging out Wawrinka in four sets. The Italian’s superior return metrics and baseline explosiveness give him the advantage, though Wawrinka’s experience could push multiple sets into tiebreaks. Betting tips suggest over 38.5 or 40.5 total games, given the likelihood of extended sets and tiebreaks.
Wawrinka’s farewell Wimbledon run begins with a high-stakes clash against one of the tour’s most dangerous grass-court specialists. The match promises fireworks, with both players eager to make their mark at the All England Club.