News | Wawrinka awarded 2026 Australian Open men’s singles main draw wildcard

On January 9th Beijing time, the Australian Open officially revealed that Stan Wawrinka, the 2014 men’s singles titleholder, has been granted a main draw wildcard for the 2026 tournament. The Swiss veteran is set to make his 20th appearance at the Australian Open during the last year of his professional career.

Wawrinka

Wawrinka made his Australian Open debut in 2006 and competed for 16 straight years through 2021. In 2014, he defeated three-time defending champion Djokovic in a long final set in the quarterfinals, narrowly beat Berdych in four sets in the semifinals, and overcame then world number one Nadal in the final to claim his first Grand Slam title. He later won the French Open in 2015 and the US Open in 2016, making him the only active player with three different Grand Slam titles. Additionally, Wawrinka reached the Australian Open men’s singles semifinals twice, in 2015 and 2017.

“Winning the Australian Open in 2014 was definitely a highlight of my career, so I am truly grateful to receive this wildcard. Many of my most cherished tennis memories come from Melbourne, and I deeply feel the strong connection between myself, this city, and its fans. Starting the final year of my tour career with the chance to compete at the Australian Open means a lot to me. I thank Tennis Australia for this opportunity and can’t wait to return to the courts at Melbourne Park,” Wawrinka said.

Last season, Wawrinka recorded 4 wins and 13 losses in main tour events and announced at the season’s end that 2026 would be his final year on the professional circuit. Over the past three years, he exited in the first round of the Australian Open, losing to Molcan, Mannarino, and Sonego respectively. Currently, the Swiss team has reached the semifinals of the United Cup, with Wawrinka holding a 1-2 singles record. He is also scheduled to compete next week at the ATP 250 Auckland tournament. The upcoming 2026 Australian Open will mark Wawrinka’s farewell performance at Melbourne Park—wishing the former champion all the best.

Complete list of 2026 Australian Open men’s singles main draw wildcards

Bu Yunchaokete (China)

Kipson (USA)

Jacques (France)

Duckworth (Australia)

Rinky Hijikata (Australia)

Thompson (Australia)

O’Connell (Australia)

Wawrinka (Switzerland)

(Text and editing: Dato; Image: Visual China Group)