Stan Wawrinka Secures 2026 US Open Wild Card After Initial Snub

The United States Tennis Association added former champion Stan Wawrinka to the 2026 US Open main draw, granting him a wildcard that had been omitted from the original list. The decision reverses an earlier exclusion and gives the 41-year-old a final Grand Slam appearance before his retirement at the end of the 2026 season.

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The wildcard list released on August 18 omitted Wawrinka, despite his status as the 2016 US Open champion and a first-ballot Hall of Famer. The omission sparked backlash across the sport. Fans and commentators argued that a proper farewell in New York was warranted.

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Wawrinka addressed the snub on Instagram, expressing gratitude for his years in New York and noting that the city “challenged” him. Following the USTA’s reversal, he announced his acceptance of the wildcard, saying he was “incredibly excited” to compete again in front of New York fans. The USTA’s decision was presented as a response to the outpouring of support and the desire to give Wawrinka a fitting send-off at the venue where he captured his most iconic title.

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Wawrinka holds a 46-16 win-loss record at the US Open, highlighted by his 2016 victory over Novak Djokovic in a four-set final. He also reached the semifinals in 2013 and 2015, falling to Djokovic and Roger Federer respectively. With a ranking now outside the world’s top 120, a wildcard was required for entry into this year’s majors; the US Open was the only Grand Slam that initially left him off the list. The wildcard grants him one last opportunity to conclude a 24-year career on the court where he achieved his most memorable triumph. Coverage of his final Slam will begin when the 2026 US Open main draw starts on August 30.

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• “I’m incredibly excited to accept the wild card for the 2026 US Open and look forward to competing in front of the fans in New York once again,” — Stan Wawrinka

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