Wawrinka bids farewell to US Open after wildcard denial

Key points

• Wawrinka, ranked 125th, did not receive a US Open wildcard, unlike his entries at the Australian Open and Wimbledon.
• The USTA awarded wildcards to Americans and reciprocal partners, excluding Wawrinka despite his 2016 championship.
• Wawrinka posted a social media tribute to New York, calling his 2016 victory a 'greatest moment' of his life.
• Andy Roddick questioned the USTA's logic, noting Wawrinka's consistent effort and high win percentage at Flushing Meadows.
• Gael Monfils, ranked 305th, received a wildcard via the French Tennis Federation, highlighting the reciprocal nature of such decisions.

Background

Wawrinka, a former world number three, won majors in 2014, 2015, and 2016. He is retiring at the end of 2026. Previous archive notes indicate earlier wildcard discussions for Wawrinka and Monfils, but the final decision excluded the Swiss star from the New York main draw.

How outlets are covering it

BBC Sport and New York Post emphasize Wawrinka's gracious response and the emotional weight of his farewell. Tennishead highlights criticism from Andy Roddick, who argued the USTA should have prioritized a champion over reciprocal agreements. The USTA declined to comment, while Tennishead notes the lack of clear guidelines for wildcard allocation.

Why it matters

The decision highlights tensions between Grand Slam organizers and legacy players, raising questions about transparency in wildcard selection and the value of historical champions in the modern tour.

What to watch

The US Open begins on August 30, 2026. Wawrinka will continue his farewell tour, though his final Grand Slam appearance remains uncertain. The USTA faces ongoing scrutiny over its wildcard policies.