Stan Wawrinka will enjoy one final ride at the Australian Open at 40 after receiving a wild card.
Two decades after debuting in Melbourne, the 2014 champion will embrace another campaign Down Under.
One last dance. We can’t wait to see you soon, @stanwawrinka 💙 pic.twitter.com/WIeUCIW5rG
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 9, 2026
The veteran is ending his career this season after nearly 25 years on the professional circuit. Stan competes for Switzerland at the United Cup, scoring one thrilling victory and showcasing his everlasting greatness.
The organizers of the Australian Open reacted and handed the legend a wild card for the main draw. Wawrinka debuted in Melbourne in 2006, falling in the second round to David Nalbandian.
He lost to Rafael Nadal a year later before reaching his first quarter-final in 2011. The Swiss pushed Novak Djokovic to the limits in 2013 before turning the tables a year later.
Stan defeated Djokovic, Berdych and Nadal to lift his first Major trophy. He faced Novak in another thriller in 2015, with the Serb bageling his great rival in the deciding set to dethrone him.
Stan Wawrinka, Australian Open 2014© Stream screenshot
Wawrinka reached the semi-final in 2017, losing to Roger Federer in five sets. His last notable result came in 2020 when he reached the last eight. The Swiss has lost his last four matches in Melbourne.
He hopes to change that in two weeks and make the final push at the Major that brought him tennis glory 12 years ago. After a lot of thinking, Stan decided to end his tennis journey this year.
The veteran will enjoy his final run at the tournaments he loves, with the Roland Garros wild card likely heading his way. Before heading to Melbourne, Wawrinka will face Zizou Bergs in the United Cup semi-final.
The Swiss bested Arthur Rinderknech after a thriller before losing a tight match to Flavio Cobolli. Stan fell to Sebastian Baez, but Switzerland still reached the semi-final thanks to Belinda Bencic.
