Wawrinka lands last-minute US Open wildcard

Stan Wawrinka’s US Open wildcard saga drew significant controversy as organizers initially bypassed the retiring three-time Grand Slam champion in favor of other players, prompting strong fan backlash. The 41-year-old Swiss, who is set to retire at season’s end, described the sequence as a roller coaster and said he would be happy to compete in his last Grand Slam in New York. He had missed direct entry due to his ranking and did not receive an early wildcard, leaving him disappointed that he might not get to say goodbye in person. The wildcard finally materialized when American Patrick Kypson withdrew with an injury, allowing Wawrinka to enter the main draw. He expressed gratitude and excitement for the opportunity to play one final time at Flushing Meadows, viewing it as a special culmination of his career. In the run-up, reports also noted that Wawrinka would face Matteo Berrettini in the first round, underscoring the dramatic path to his late entry into the field.