The Indian Wells wildcards have been confirmed, and there is unfortunately no place for Stan Wawrinka.
Wawrinka is currently playing his last season on the ATP Tour, having chosen to retire from professional tennis at the end of 2026.
And despite approaching his 41st birthday, the veteran has been busy so far, playing 14 matches across five tournaments.
After representing Switzerland in the United Cup, he was given wildcards for the Australian Open, Montpellier, Rotterdam and Dubai, but Indian Wells has decided against continuing that trend.
Stan Wawrinka or Andy Murray… who is the greater player? Let us know why below 👇
Indian Wells wrong to not give Stan Wawrinka a wildcard
As is usually the case, wildcards have been assigned to rising stars, legendary figures and home players, which is certainly what has transpired for Indian Wells.
Venus Williams has received an Indian Wells wildcard, along with the likes of Bianca Andreescu, Sloane Stephens and Gael Monfils.
But the iconic tournament has unfortunately opted against including Wawrinka, who really deserved a spot.
The veteran has impressed with six wins this season, but more importantly has now been denied the chance to bid Indian Wells farewell.
And while he never managed to clinch the title at Tennis Paradise in California, he did finish as runner-up in 2017, losing the final to compatriot Roger Federer.
Moreover, and much more simply, Wawrinka is a three-time Grand Slam champion and a legend of the ATP Tour, with Indian Wells fans sadly not getting to see him in action one final time.
It could also have been a boost for the tournament, with Wawrinka undoubtedly able to attract big crowds, just like Williams.
It’s the end of the 2026 season… How many matches has Venus Williams won this year? Where is she ranked? Let us know in the comments👇
Two-time champion Stan Wawrinka confirmed for Geneva Open
Wawrinka certainly isn’t focusing on his Indian Wells snub, instead committing himself to the Geneva Open in May.
He is the first big name to be confirmed for the ATP 250 tournament, which fittingly represents the site of his last title.
The 16-time ATP champion lifted the trophy in 2017, having successfully defended his title from 2016.
| Year | Titles | Tournaments |
| 2017 | 1 | Geneva (Outdoor/Clay) |
| 2016 | 4 | US Open (Outdoor/Hard) Geneva (Outdoor/Clay) Dubai (Outdoor/Hard) Chennai (Outdoor/Hard) |
| 2015 | 4 | Tokyo (Outdoor/Hard) Roland Garros (Outdoor/Clay) Rotterdam (Indoor/Hard) Chennai (Outdoor/Hard) |
| 2014 | 3 | ATP Masters 1000 Monte-Carlo (Outdoor/Clay) Australian Open (Outdoor/Hard) Chennai (Outdoor/Hard) |
| 2013 | 1 | Oeiras (Outdoor/Clay) |
| 2011 | 1 | Chennai (Outdoor/Hard) |
| 2010 | 1 | Casablanca (Outdoor/Clay) |
| 2006 | 1 | Umag (Outdoor/Clay) |
Swiss icon Wawrinka currently occupies 92nd place in the ATP rankings, and is on track to achieve his 2026 goal of finishing in the top 100.
His fellow veterans Monfils and Novak Djokovic will instead be flying the flag for his generation at Indian Wells, where the Serbian boasts a joint-record five titles.
Hopefully the Miami Open, which follows Indian Wells in the schedule, goes down the other route and hands Wawrinka a wildcard for their ATP Masters 1000 event.
