Wawrinka Reflects on US Open Glory Despite Wildcard Snub Ahead of Retirement

Stan Wawrinka expressed deep gratitude towards the US Open despite missing out on a wildcard for his farewell appearance in New York. The 41-year-old Swiss tennis star, who plans to retire at the end of the year, highlighted his past triumph at the tournament, stating it will "forever be one of the greatest moments of my life." Wawrinka has previously received wildcards for this year's Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon, reaching the third round in Melbourne but facing early exits in Paris and London. His absence from the US Open's wildcard list has drawn criticism, particularly given that he did not enter qualifying despite being within the cut-off. In a heartfelt social media post, Wawrinka reflected on his journey, stating: "When I first arrived in New York from a small farming village in Switzerland, everything felt too big." "This city challenged me. It pushed me. It brought something out of me that few places ever could." "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." Despite the disappointment, Wawrinka's love for the city remains evident as he cherishes the memories created on its courts. BBC Sport has reached out to the United States Tennis Association (USTA) for comments regarding the decision.

Source: BBC Sport - 2026-08-25

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