Stan Wawrinka is set to make at least one more appearance at Flushing Meadows.
At 41, Wawrinka’s professional tennis journey took an unexpected turn this week. He was initially missing from the list of wild-card entries for his final U.S. Open, creating surprise among fans and players alike.
Reports surfaced over the weekend, indicating that his name was absent from those granted wild-card access to the tournament, which kicks off this Sunday.
This news caught many off guard because major tournaments like the Grand Slams typically aim to spotlight captivating narratives through their wild-card choices. A final appearance by the former U.S. Open champion in New York seemed an obvious pick.
The omission prompted Wawrinka to share an emotional farewell to the prestigious event where he claimed victory in 2016, defeating Novak Djokovic in a thrilling four-set final.
“When I first arrived in New York from a small farming village in Switzerland, everything felt too big
The city. The noise.The energy,” Wawrinka posted on social media. “The crowds. The lights💥. But year after year New York slowly became one of my favorite places in the world🌎🙌🏻 This city challenged me. It pushed me. It brought something out of me that few places ever could⚡️ I experienced some of the strongest emotions of my career here. The battles, the late nights, the incredible atmosphere, the love from the crowd…memories that will stay with me forever 🙏🏻💭🗽
MORE STORY: Terrifying Twist: Monica White’s Online Date with Anthony Robinson Turns Into a Real-Life Horror Story
“Winning the US Open, in the city that never sleeps, will forever be one of the greatest moments of my life 🏆🌇 Thank you, New York🗽Thank you, @usopen 🎾 Thank you to every single fan who supported me, pushed me, believed in me and shared all these emotions with me over the years🙏🏻🫶🏻 Forever grateful. Forever New York🗽”
Now, New York will get a chance to repay that love.
Wawrinka’s fortunes changed when American Patrick Kypson withdrew from the event and allowed U.S. Open organizers to offer him a spot.
Wawrinka participated in the first three Grand Slams of the season, reaching the third round in Australia before opening-round exits at the French Open and Wimbledon.
The Swiss native spent his prime battling Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer — the sport’s Big Three that likely kept him from more Grand Slam glory. Still, Wawrinka has three to his name coming between 2014-16 — with triumphs in Melbourne and Paris to go along with Queens.
Now, Wawrinka will get one more chance at an unlikely run.
He will find out his opponent Thursday when the U.S. Open does its draw.