The 2016 champion expressed deep gratitude to New York and the tournament, calling his triumph 'one of the greatest moments' of his life.
Swiss tennis icon Stan Wawrinka, who captured the men's singles title at the US Open in 2016, will conclude his illustrious career without a final appearance at Flushing Meadows. Despite his upcoming retirement at the close of 2026, the 41-year-old was not granted a wildcard entry into the main draw for what would have been his farewell tournament in New York.
The decision by the United States Tennis Association (USTA) not to award a wildcard has drawn considerable attention and some criticism. Wawrinka, a former world number three, did not enter the qualifying rounds even though he remained within the cut-off for entry, opting instead for a direct main draw spot which was ultimately not offered.
Despite the lack of a wildcard for his final career Grand Slam, Wawrinka conveyed profound appreciation for the US Open and the city of New York through a heartfelt social media post. He described his 2016 victory as an unforgettable highlight of his life, according to reporting by BBC Sport - Tennis.
Wawrinka's Final Grand Slam Appearances in 2026
As Wawrinka approaches the end of his professional tennis journey, he has made appearances at other major tournaments in 2026. He received wildcards for the Australian Open and Wimbledon, showcasing his enduring presence on the Grand Slam circuit even in his final season.
At the Australian Open, Wawrinka advanced to the third round, demonstrating glimpses of his vintage form. His journey at the French Open saw him secure a spot in the main draw based on his ranking, although he exited after an entertaining first-round match. Similarly, he faced a challenging first-round defeat at Wimbledon.
The US Open Wildcard Policy and Controversy
The USTA's decision regarding Wawrinka's wildcard has sparked debate among fans and pundits. Wildcards are typically reserved for players who do not automatically qualify for the tournament based on their ranking, often due to injury or a dip in form. Wawrinka has fallen outside the top 100 in recent years after battling injuries.
While the USTA has stated it does not comment on specific wildcard decisions, its policy heavily favors American players. Other Grand Slams often allocate reciprocal wildcards, for example, the French Tennis Federation organizing the French Open granted one to retiring French star Gael Monfils. However, Switzerland does not host a Grand Slam, meaning no reciprocal arrangement benefits Swiss players directly. The USTA awarded its six men's singles wildcards to Americans, a common practice at all Grand Slams where home players dominate the allocation.
A Champion's Enduring Connection to New York
In his social media message, Stan Wawrinka reflected on his deep connection with New York, the city where he achieved one of his career pinnacles. He wrote, “When I first arrived in New York from a small farming village in Switzerland, everything felt too big. The city. The noise. The energy. The crowds. The lights.”
However, over time, New York transformed into a cherished place for him. “But, year after year, New York slowly became one of my favourite places in the world,” he continued, emphasizing how the city challenged and pushed him to achieve greatness. He added, “I experienced some of the strongest emotions of my career here. The battles, the late nights, the incredible atmosphere, the love from the crowd… memories that will stay with me forever.” Wawrinka unequivocally stated, “Winning the US Open, in the city that never sleeps, will forever be one of the greatest moments of my life.”
Wawrinka's Legacy in the 'Big Three' Era
Stan Wawrinka stands as one of the few remarkable players who managed to win multiple Grand Slam singles titles during the dominant 'Big Three' era, alongside Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer. His three major triumphs include the 2014 Australian Open, the 2015 French Open, and his memorable victory at the 2016 US Open.
Wawrinka made 17 appearances in the men's singles main draw at the US Open since his debut in 2005, making New York a significant stage in his career. His coach, Magnus Norman, shared a poignant message on Instagram, stating, “We pushed to play one last Grand Slam at 41 years of age but we just came up short. It sure hurts but thanks for all the beautiful memories on and off the court together with you and the team in New York for the past 13 years.” The US Open is set to begin on Sunday, August 30, at Flushing Meadows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Stan Wawrinka not get a US Open wildcard?
Stan Wawrinka did not receive a wildcard for the 2026 US Open, despite his impending retirement, because the United States Tennis Association (USTA) prioritizes American players for their wildcard allocations and does not offer reciprocal wildcards for non-hosting nations like Switzerland.
What did Stan Wawrinka say about the US Open after missing a wildcard?
Despite not receiving a wildcard, Stan Wawrinka expressed profound gratitude to the US Open and New York, calling his 2016 victory there “one of the greatest moments of my life” and praising the city for challenging and pushing him throughout his career.
How many Grand Slams has Stan Wawrinka won?
Stan Wawrinka has won three Grand Slam singles titles: the 2014 Australian Open, the 2015 French Open, and the 2016 US Open, making him one of the few players to break through during the 'Big Three' era.
How are US Open wildcards decided?
The USTA decides US Open wildcards, reserving most for American players. Other wildcards may be part of reciprocal agreements with other Grand Slams (e.g., for French or Australian players), but there is no such agreement for Swiss players.