Wawrinka thanks US Open after missing final appearance
Stan Wawrinka will not play at the US Open after not receiving a wildcard for the tournament. The 41-year-old, retiring at the end of the year, expressed gratitude for his experiences in New York, including his 2016 title. He had received wildcards for the Australian Open and Wimbledon earlier this year.
Wawrinka's late entry came after American Patrick Kypson withdrew due to injury, freeing a main-draw spot. The Swiss veteran, now ranked outside the top 100 following persistent injury struggles, had already received wildcards for the Australian Open and Wimbledon this year, reaching the third round in Melbourne before exiting early in Paris and London. His 2016 New York triumph over Novak Djokovic remains a career highlight, alongside victories at the 2014 Australian Open and 2015 French Open. This marks his 18th appearance at Flushing Meadows since his 2005 debut. Notably, the USTA initially reserved most wildcards for American players, while France's Gael Monfils secured his through the French Tennis Federation's reciprocal arrangement.
Wawrinka's farewell appearance could resonate beyond tennis fans, offering a nostalgic moment for casual sports audiences who followed the era when he challenged the sport's dominant trio. His presence may boost early-round viewership and attendance, particularly among older spectators who value career-spanning narratives. The episode also highlights how wildcard allocation decisions can shape public perception of tournaments, potentially influencing how other Grand Slams balance home-player development against honoring retiring legends.