From Heartbreak to Homecoming
Stan Wawrinka's remarkable tennis career will get a proper send-off at Flushing Meadows after all. The 41-year-old Swiss veteran was initially overlooked for a wildcard into the 2026 US Open main draw despite his legendary status, a decision that drew fierce criticism from tennis fans worldwide. That call has since been reversed.
Wawrinka inherited a wildcard spot after American Patrick Kypson withdrew from the tournament due to injury. The US Open confirmed the news on social media, noting Wawrinka's status as a three-time Grand Slam champion and the 2016 US Open title holder. Wawrinka, whose ranking was not high enough to qualify directly at the entry cutoff, responded with genuine enthusiasm: describing himself as "incredibly excited" to accept the opportunity and compete in New York one final time.
A Love Letter to New York
The timing of the announcement was especially emotional. Just a day earlier, Wawrinka had shared a heartfelt message on Instagram reflecting on what New York has meant to him across his career. He described arriving in the city from a small Swiss farming village and feeling overwhelmed by its scale and energy, only for New York to gradually become one of his favorite places on earth.
He wrote warmly about the battles, the atmosphere, and the crowd support that shaped some of his most cherished memories. Calling his 2016 US Open victory one of the greatest moments of his life, he signed off with a simple tribute: "Forever New York."
Wawrinka plans to retire after competing at the Basel ATP 500 event in October, meaning this US Open appearance will rank among his final professional tournaments. TennisDraw users will want to track his bracket position closely as this sentimental farewell unfolds in New York.
