Full Breakdown
Stan Wawrinka’s US Open Wildcard Snub Marks the End of His Grand-Slam Career
8/26/2026, 11:11:02 AM
The Wildcard Decision
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) announced its final eight men’s wildcards for the 2026 US Open without including former champion Stan Wawrinka. Ranked No. 127 at the entry-list cutoff, Wawrinka required a wildcard to enter the main draw. The USTA awarded the last spot to American Patrick Kypson (ranked No. 115), while other wildcards went to Gael Monfils (No. 307) and several U.S. players. Wawrinka chose not to enter the qualifying tournament, ending his chance to appear in New York in what he has confirmed will be his farewell season. The USTA declined to comment on individual wildcard selections.
Background & Context
Wawrinka, the 2016 US Open champion, has three major titles (Australian Open 2014, French Open 2015, US Open 2016) and a career-high ATP ranking of No. 3. Injuries—including two knee surgeries in 2017 and foot surgeries in 2021—have lowered his ranking to the low-100s. Despite this, he received wildcards into the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon earlier in 2026, allowing him to compete in the first three Grand Slams of his final year. His 2026 season also featured a main-draw appearance at the Estoril Open on July 21 2026 and a Wimbledon first-round match on June 30 2026.
Official Statements & Responses
Wawrinka posted an Instagram message thanking New York and the US Open, expressing gratitude to fans and recalling the emotional significance of his 2016 victory.
Criticism & Opposition
Tennis journalist Jon Wertheim questioned the USTA’s choice, noting that Wawrinka was “totally fit” and only nine spots outside the main-draw cutoff. Wertheim argued that the decision reflected a broader pattern of Grand Slam organizers favoring domestic players for wildcards.
Coach Reaction
Magnus Norman, Wawrinka’s coach of more than a decade, publicly acknowledged the disappointment:
- “We pushed to play one last Grand Slam at 41 years of age but we just came up short,” — Magnus Norman, stan wawrinka's coach
Data & Statistics
- Current ATP ranking: No. 127.
- Wildcards awarded to other players: Patrick Kypson (No. 115, USA), Gael Monfils (No. 307, France), plus six American players.
- US Open career record: 62 matches played, 46 wins (74 % winning rate).
- Career titles: three Grand Slam singles crowns, 16 ATP Tour singles titles, 38.6 million USD in earnings.
- Upcoming schedule: Expected to play his final ATP event at the Swiss Indoors in Basel, which is scheduled to begin on October 24 2026 and runs through November 1 2026.
What’s Next
With the US Open door closed, Wawrinka will focus on the remaining ATP events of the 2026 season, culminating in the Swiss Indoors. He has confirmed his retirement will be official at the end of the year.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Thank you, New York Thank you, (at) US Open,” — Stan Wawrinka, champion
- “Thank you, New York Thank you, US Open,” — Stan Wawrinka, champion
- “Per team, Wawrinka is ‘totally fit’ and ready. And he is only nine spots out of the main draw,” — Jon Wertheim, legendary tennis journalist
