Stan Wawrinka has been granted a wildcard entry into the Australian Open as he prepares for his final season on the professional tennis circuit, while Nick Kyrgios will not participate. Wawrinka, a three-time Grand Slam champion, announced in December that 2026 would mark the end of his career.
The 40-year-old Swiss player, currently ranked 156th in the world, captured his first major title at Melbourne Park in 2014. "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," Wawrinka said. "To have the chance to play the Australian Open at the beginning of my final year on tour means the world to me." His most recent of 16 tour-level titles came in Geneva in 2017.
Kyrgios, a former Wimbledon finalist, stated that he opted out of the men's singles competition at his home Grand Slam because he does not feel physically prepared for five-set matches. The 30-year-old Australian has seen his ranking fall to 670th in the world after struggling. Kyrgios said he would rather give his spot to someone ready to make it count.
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