Wawrinka Misses Out on US Open Wild Card for Final Farewell Tour

Stan Wawrinka will not feature at the US Open 2026 after the three-time Grand Slam champion was overlooked for a wildcard into the main draw, bringing an end to his hopes of making one final appearance at Flushing Meadows.

Wawrinka had been given wildcards at the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon during what he has indicated will be the final season of his career.  The Swiss will not have another route into the event either, having been left out of the qualifying draw. He was not included among the final men's wildcards announced over the weekend.

Wawrinka reflected on his connection with New York in a message posted on Instagram after learning that he would not return to the tournament.

"This city challenged me. It pushed me. It brought something out of me that few places ever could," Wawrinka wrote.

"I experienced some of the strongest emotions of my career here. Winning the US Open in the city that never sleeps will forever be one of the greatest moments of my life."

The decision contrasts with the treatment of another veteran approaching retirement. Gael Monfils, who has also said he intends to end his career after this season, was awarded a reciprocal wildcard by the French federation. The former world No. 6 is currently ranked 307th, while Wawrinka is at No. 127.

Wawrinka's omission means his 2016 triumph will remain his final US Open appearance as champion. He also won the Australian Open in 2014 and French Open in 2015, completing a three-major career during an era dominated by Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.

There was better news for another former champion on the women's side, with Venus Williams receiving a wildcard for the tournament. Williams has won the US Open twice, in 2000 and 2001.