Wawrinka granted wildcard for the Australian Open

On Friday, the Australian Open organizers revealed that Stan Wawrinka will receive a main draw wildcard for the upcoming season's first Grand Slam. This will be his 20th time competing in the Australian Open men's singles main draw.

"It's amazing. To get a wildcard for the Australian Open in the last year of my career, I feel extremely grateful," Wawrinka said in an interview in Sydney. On Saturday, he will captain Switzerland against Belgium in the United Cup semifinals.

"I want to especially thank Tennis Australia and Craig Tiley for giving me this wonderful opportunity. Over the past 20 years in Melbourne, I've made so many great memories. Returning to the place where I won my first Grand Slam is always special. I’m truly looking forward to it," he added.

Wawrinka’s overall record at the Australian Open stands at 43 wins and 18 losses. In 2014, he claimed his first Grand Slam title at Melbourne Park, defeating Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal along the way.

This will be Wawrinka’s 20th participation in the Australian Open men's singles event. Last year, he fought hard in the first round but lost in four sets to Lorenzo Sonego.

Since 2006, Wawrinka has missed only one edition of the tournament and has reached at least the quarterfinals five times. The 40-year-old veteran recently announced that 2026 will be his final year competing on the ATP Tour.

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