'I ran after him' - Matteo Berrettini reveals heartwarming gesture for emotional Stan Wawrinka in Wimbledon farewell

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There was barely a dry eye inside No. 1 Court at Wimbledon as Stanislas Wawrinka said farewell to the All England Club - and Matteo Berrettini came up with a way of making the occasion even more memorable for the Swiss legend.

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Berrettini was all class after his first-round victory over an emotional Wawrinka, with a gesture following the highly competitive match that clearly meant a lot to his opponent.

The Italian prevailed in four sets, 6-7(9) 7-6(16) 7-6(7) 7-6(5) to reach the second round with a battling display, but the match will be remembered for Wawrinka bidding farewell to the iconic grass-court Grand Slam.

The hugely popular 41-year-old, who will retire later this year, was visibly emotional as he took his leave from the show court to a huge ovation from the fans.

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While many thought the special moment had passed with the Swiss leaving the court, Berrettini raced down the corridor to catch up with his opponent, and give him his final towel as a memento.

He explained in his post-match interview on court: "I ran after him. I wanted to give him the last towel that he played [used] here.

"I think it is a great memory for everybody. I would not have minded keeping it, but he wanted it."

The pair shared a moving embrace after Wawrinka had accepted the thoughtful gift.

Speaking in his press conference after the defeat, Wawrinka made it clear just how much playing at Wimbledon has meant to him over the years.

"For me, it's the best feeling ever to see the young kids, first, being in tournaments, and of course, supporting me. That's always going to be special," he said.

"One of the reasons why I kept playing for so long is because of the fans, and because the emotion I can get and share with them when I'm playing matches.

"Tonight, again, was really special. Amazing support, amazing atmosphere, playing against Matteo, who is a great friend, great guy. We had a good battle, and I'm happy with that match tonight."

He added: "It's always special as a player. I think you're always going to feel different here when you arrive. I think the history of the game, the history of tennis is really unique here.

"As much as it’s always nice to watch on TV when you're younger, the first time you come here, the emotion you get just by walking around, is really special. And more than 20 years later, I still have the same feeling when I come back here.

"I think it's something really amazing as a tournament, for tennis, for the fans, and for us, the players."

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