A Last-Minute Wildcard That Meant Everything
Stan Wawrinka's farewell to Grand Slam tennis almost did not happen. The 41-year-old Swiss veteran was initially passed over for a wildcard at the 2026 US Open, and he had already returned home to the Swiss mountains when tournament officials reversed course after American player Patrick Kypson withdrew. Wawrinka learned the news on a Wednesday and promptly rearranged a transatlantic flight to make it back to Flushing Meadows for one final appearance at a venue he calls one of his favorites. It was here, exactly ten years earlier, that he lifted the US Open title, one of three major trophies he collected in an era dominated by Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic.
A Crowd That Showed Up and Showed Love
Fans recognized the significance of the moment well before Wawrinka walked onto the Grandstand court. Thousands arrived early, forming long queues to fill the roughly 8,000-capacity arena to its limit. Italy's Matteo Berrettini, the 2021 Wimbledon finalist, proved too strong on the day, winning in straight sets after fighting off several set points in the first two sets before cruising through the third. But the result mattered far less than what followed. Berrettini himself led the applause as Wawrinka made heart gestures to the crowd and urged the fans to cheer louder before sending balls into the stands as keepsakes. US Open chief executive Craig Tiley presented him with a photo montage commemorating his 2016 title run. Wawrinka told the crowd he played until 41 specifically to experience moments like this, adding heartfelt thanks for two decades of support. TennisDraw users had widely backed a deep sentimental run for the Swiss champion heading into this tournament.