Stan Wawrinka will make his last-ever appearance at the Australian Open after being given a wild card to the Grand Slam event.
Wawrinka announced he would retire at the end of 2026, which will bring an end to a stellar 22-year career which brought three Grand Slams.
The Swiss star has begun his retirement year by representing his country at the United Cup, where he picked up a victory against Arthur Rinderknech.
His performances at the team competition have been rewarded with a place at the first Grand Slam of the year.
Stan Wawrinka says Australian Open wild card is ‘amazing’
Wawrinka is currently ranked world number 139, meaning he would have to go through qualifying for the Australian Open.
Many lobbied for the 40-year-old to receive a wild card, particularly as he won the Grand Slam back in 2014.
What is your best memory of Stan Wawrinka?
After receiving the final wild card, Wawrinka took to social media to share a video with his thoughts for his fans.
“Hey guys, I’m so happy to receive to play the Australian Open. Thanks to Tennis Australia. It’s amazing for me and an amazing opportunity to see you all there.
“I have so many memories in Melbourne and I’m really looking forward to playing one last time there, so see you all there.”
Wawrinka joins Australian duo Jordan Thompson and Chris O’Connell in receiving a last-minute wild card to the event.
The Australian Open has never been tougher than in 2026
The strength in depth on the ATP Tour has arguably never been tougher and that is firmly exhibited by the number of world class athletes who will not be seeded for the Australian Open.
Wawrinka joins the likes of Hubert Hurkacz, Jenson Brooksby, Marin Cilic, and Grigor Dimitrov as players who will be unseeded at the Grand Slam.
What is your bold prediction for the 2026 tennis season?
That means they can all be drawn against the top 32 players in the first round of the event, which could cause several banana skin ties for the tennis elite.
This year’s Australian Open could see a string of high-profile upsets for top players, in a similar way to last year’s Wimbledon.
Out-of-form players, who are still ranked inside the top 32, will be quaking in their boots when the draw is announced.
