Stan Wawrinka will have the opportunity for a final farewell at the U.S. Open after a dramatic turn of events granted him a wild-card entry, reversing an earlier denial. The veteran Swiss player, who had believed his Grand Slam career and U.S. Open appearance had concluded, was in New York preparing for what he thought would be his last tournament before returning to Switzerland.
Wawrinka, 41, had accepted the news that he would not receive a wild card into the Flushing Meadows event, which he won a decade ago. However, an injury to American player Patrick Kypson led to his withdrawal, creating an opening that the U.S. Tennis Association offered to Wawrinka.
"Of course, I was happy, and I had to quickly organize to be back here," Wawrinka said of receiving the unexpected invitation while in the Swiss mountains. He described the preceding week as a "roller coaster," having already begun to process the end of his Grand Slam career. "For me it was, in my mind, the end of my Grand Slam career," he stated. "I would have loved, like I said, to be here. So I had to accept those emotions by not having the wild card, and I was OK with that."
Ranked world No. 125, Wawrinka was a logical choice when a spot became available, especially given the 10th anniversary of his 2016 U.S. Open victory. In that final, he defeated Novak Djokovic in a memorable match, becoming the oldest men's singles champion at the U.S. Open since Ken Rosewall in 1970.
Wawrinka practiced Sunday with world No. 2 and tournament favorite Carlos Alcaraz. The prospect of playing in New York for what he believed was the last time was emotionally charged, as he cherishes the city and the tournament. "New York, it’s one of my favorite cities, by far. Really always enjoy being here, to have the chance. I have many friends here, I love the city, I love the energy. I think the U.S. Open is something really special as a tennis player," he said.
Having been a professional for 24 years, Wawrinka expressed a sense of peace with his decision to retire. Yet, the chance to compete one last time on the grounds where he achieved his greatest triumph offers a poignant conclusion to his Grand Slam journey. His first-round match is scheduled against Italy's Matteo Berrettini.