Stan Wawrinka receives US Open wildcard after initial exclusion

Stan Wawrinka, the three-time Grand Slam champion, has been granted a last-minute wildcard to compete in the 2026 US Open men's singles draw. The decision follows significant public backlash and debate after the United States Tennis Association (USTA) initially omitted the 41-year-old Swiss veteran from the tournament's wildcard list.

Wawrinka, who won the US Open in 2016, had previously posted an emotional farewell on social media, appearing to accept that he would miss his final Grand Slam appearance of the season. However, the opportunity arose after American player Patrick Kypson withdrew from the tournament due to injury, vacating a wildcard spot.

The Swiss player, who is retiring at the end of the season, expressed his excitement about returning to New York to compete in front of the fans. His inclusion resolves a controversy that had drawn criticism from tennis figures and fans alike, who argued that the former world number three deserved a proper farewell at Flushing Meadows.