Stan Wawrinka, the distinguished Swiss player, is set to make one final appearance at the Australian Open, as he received the tournament’s last wild card entry. This announcement comes on the heels of Nick Kyrgios’ decision to prioritize doubles alongside Thanasi Kokkinakis, opting out of singles competition due to concerns about his physical condition.
Wawrinka, now 40 years old, has a rich history at the Australian Open, having previously claimed the title in 2014 after defeating Rafael Nadal in a thrilling final. Additionally, he has reached the semifinals on two other occasions (2015 and 2017) and has made it to the quarterfinals twice (2011 and 2020). Given his accomplishments and connection to the event, many believe that he is deserving of this wild card, especially as he embarks on the last season of his storied career.
Currently ranked No. 156 in the world, Wawrinka managed to win only four ATP matches in 2025, leading him to announce his retirement plans before the commencement of the new season. He shared his thoughts via social media, stating, “One last push. Every book needs an ending. It’s time to write the final chapter of my career as a professional tennis player. 2026 will be my last year on tour.”
Expressing his passion for the sport, he added, “I still want to push my limits and finish this journey on the best note possible. I still have dreams in this sport. I’ve enjoyed every part of what tennis has given me, especially the emotions I feel playing in front of you. I’m looking forward to seeing you one more time, all around the world.”
With this forthcoming appearance in Melbourne, Wawrinka’s journey is set to continue, and fans are eager to witness his final matches on the ATP circuit.
