Stan Wawrinka, three-time Grand Slam champion, has been awarded a wildcard entry into the 2026 Australian Open as he begins the final season of his illustrious professional tennis career. The 40-year-old Swiss star, a former world number three, announced in December that this year would mark the conclusion of his 24-year career on the ATP Tour.
In contrast, Australian tennis fan favorite Nick Kyrgios will miss the men’s singles draw at his home slam, opting instead to focus on the men’s doubles competition.
Wawrinka’s Emotional Return to Melbourne
Wawrinka’s first Grand Slam title came at Melbourne Park in 2014, and receiving a wildcard for the tournament in his farewell season holds immense personal significance.
“Winning the Australian Open in 2014, my first Grand Slam title, is an absolute career highlight for me, so I’m incredibly grateful to receive this wildcard,” said Wawrinka.
“To have the chance to play the Australian Open at the beginning of my final year on tour means the world to me.”
Despite being ranked 156th in the world, Wawrinka’s legacy includes 16 tour-level titles, with his most recent triumph in Geneva in 2017. Fans and fellow players alike will be watching closely as he returns to Melbourne for what may be the final time as a competitor in singles.
Nick Kyrgios Focuses on Doubles
Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios, who fell to 670th in the world rankings due to injury struggles, confirmed he will not contest the singles draw at the 2026 Australian Open. Instead, he will compete in men’s doubles, partnering with Thanasi Kokkinakis, a pairing that previously won the doubles event in 2022.
Kyrgios explained his decision on social media:
“After some good conversations with Tennis Australia, I’ve made the call to focus on doubles for this year’s AO. I’m fit and back on court, but five-setters are a different beast and I’m not quite ready to go the distance yet.
This tournament means everything to me, but I’d rather give my spot to someone who’s ready to make their moment count. It’s all building blocks and I’ll be back next year and pumped to compete. See you out there.”
Kyrgios’ decision underscores the physical demands of five-set matches at Grand Slam tournaments and highlights the strategic choice to prolong his career while still competing at his home slam.
Australian Open 2026: What to Expect
With Wawrinka’s wildcard entry, fans can look forward to a nostalgic yet competitive Australian Open. The Swiss star’s return to Melbourne will not only be a celebration of his career achievements, but also a chance to witness a final chapter in the journey of a player who has shaped men’s tennis over two decades.
Meanwhile, Kyrgios’ focus on doubles maintains his presence at the tournament, offering Australian fans a chance to cheer for their local star in another format. The 2026 Australian Open promises to blend farewell moments, rising stars, and thrilling matches across both singles and doubles competitions.
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