Wawrinka receives last-minute US Open wild card

Stan Wawrinka will compete at the 2026 US Open after receiving a last-minute wild card, reversing an earlier decision that had excluded the three-time Grand Slam champion from what is expected to be his final major tournament. The 41-year-old Swiss was awarded a spot in the main draw on August 26 after American player Patrick Kypson withdrew due to injury, opening up a previously allocated wild card.

The United States Tennis Association had initially confirmed earlier in the week that Wawrinka, whose world ranking had dropped to 127, was not among the recipients of the tournament's eight wild cards. The decision drew significant criticism from fans and within the tennis community, particularly as Wawrinka had competed at every other Grand Slam in 2026 and had reached the third round at the Australian Open. The situation prompted Wawrinka to post an emotional message on social media, seemingly marking the end of his Grand Slam career.

However, Kypson's withdrawal created an unexpected opportunity. The US Open officially announced the change, stating that Wawrinka would receive the singles main draw wild card. In a statement, Wawrinka said, "I'm incredibly excited to accept the...