When the 2025 US Open wildcards were announced, one particularly prominent name was missing.
Eliot Spizzirri, Nishesh Basavareddy, Tristan Boyer, Emilio Nava, Stefan Dostanic, Darwin Blanch, Valentin Royer and Tristan Schoolkate all received wildcard spots in the main draw of the Men’s Singles event.
However, Stan Wawrinka was not included on the US Open list.
This was a somewhat surprising omission given Wawrinka’s standing in the game and the general support and respect he has garnered from fans and peers across the sport.
The Australian Open cannot make the same mistake in January.
The Australian Open should grant Stan Wawrinka a wildcard
When the Australian Open’s full list of wildcards are confirmed, Stan Wawrinka’s name should be on that list.
Not only is Wawrinka a former Australian Open champion, he is a three-time Grand Slam champion – a player who should be playing on the biggest stages until the end of his career.
Furthermore, Wawrinka is still playing at an extremely high level, challenging some of the highest-ranked players on the ATP Tour.
Recently, he defeated world number 77 Botic van de Zandschulp at the Athens Open, before losing in three close sets to world number eight Lorenzo Musetti.
Wawrinka’s name also holds financial weight. He is a figure who represents a portion of the greatest generation in tennis history – a name that will bring fans to the event in Melbourne.
Yes, Wawrinka may take the place of an aspiring youngster. However, that is simply not a good enough reason to omit such a well-respected, well-regarded individual who will draw fans from all over the world to eastern Australia.
The US Open made a mistake this year. The Australian Open must avoid following suit in 2026.
Who will win the 2026 men’s Australian Open?
Stan Wawrinka’s Australian Open triumph
Wawrinka, who is set to play in the 2026 Auckland Open, won his first Grand Slam title at the 2014 Australian Open.
The Swiss legend defeated Rafael Nadal 6‑3, 6‑2, 3‑6, 6‑3.
After the final, Wawrinka reacted to his maiden major victory. The Swiss star, who went on to win two more Grand Slam titles in Paris and New York, said he had never expected to win a Grand Slam.
Yeah, yeah, it’s quite crazy what’s happening right now. I never expect to win a Grand Slam,” Wawrinka began.
“I never dream about that because for me, I was not good enough to beat those guy.
“During the match tonight was important. I talk a lot with Magnus [Norman] who has been in that situation, to play a final. He told me it was important not to think about the result but think about the way you want to play, the way you want to win every point.
“You know, was surprise how well I start the match. In the beginning, he was good, he was fit, he wasn’t injury. And myself, again, I was playing amazing tennis.
“Yeah, then was the second match in the match. I had to stay calm with myself just to try to stay aggressive because he was injury, but he was still trying a little bit. Was not easy. I start to be really nervous because I start to realize that I could win a Grand Slam.
“So it wasn’t easy. But at the end, I just come back to the game and focus on what I want to do.”
