NEW YORK – Stan Wawrinka, the 2016 US Open men’s singles champion, asked for a wild card to play this year’s tournament; the United States Tennis Association (USTA) said “no.”
Unlike last year, when the organisation granted him a wild card (he lost in the opening round), the USTA this time opted to invite six local players, along with one Australian and one Frenchman, honouring the reciprocity agreements in place with the Australian Open and Roland Garros.
Although not competing, Wawrinka still enjoyed New York while fulfilling sponsor commitments: Swiss luxury watch brand Norqain launched a model in tribute to the three-time Grand Slam champion.
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The US Open has often invited former champions into the main draw when needed.
Juan Martín Del Potro, the 2009 champion, received a wild card in 2016; Dominic Thiem accepted one last year to bid farewell to tennis after failing to recover from a wrist injury. Wawrinka himself benefitted from a wild card in 2024.
On the women’s side, two-time New York champion Venus Williams has once again been awarded a wild card, and at 45 she will be the oldest participant in the tournament. Her status as a North American icon makes her case different to Wawrinka’s.
Magnus Norman, Wawrinka’s coach, voiced his disappointment on social media after the organisers denied the Swiss player a place in the men’s main draw.
“Was expecting a WC for the US Open, but we go home and will come back stronger,” the Swedish coach wrote on Instagram.
Wawrinka took it with humour, but still hinted at disappointment by reposting a story from Lacoste CEO Thierry Guibert, in which the Frenchman wrote: “Not invited… a shame #USOpen. We’ll miss you Stan.”
