All articles tagged with #wildcards
Stan Wawrinka, 41, missed the 2026 US Open after the USTA denied him a wildcard, despite his 2016 title and recent wildcard entries at other majors. He posted an emotional tribute to New York, while Andy Roddick criticized the decision.
The 2026 US Open main draw wildcards have been finalized, featuring veteran legends Venus Williams, Stan Wawrinka, and Gael Monfils alongside rising American prospects. Williams, 46, will compete in her 26th US Open main draw, while Wawrinka and Monfils play their final Grand Slams. The draw also includes Sloane Stephens and several junior champions.
Returning from more than a year away, Venus Williams’ Australian Open campaign ended in a close first-round loss after two near-identical results: she and her fans celebrated a milestone return, but she followed up with six straight tour-level defeats, including first-round losses at the US Open and Australian Open that were settled in the final sets. Williams had a brief comeback run at Washington in mid-2025, where she beat Peyton Stearns, but her form since has been uneven. Former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash argued for selective wildcards at majors, saying Williams deserves one if she’s in form, while stressing it shouldn’t be automatic. Williams says she’s committed to playing more tournaments despite being short on match practice.