Stan Wawrinka handed wildcard entry to 2025 Australian Open, Kei Nishikori suffers different fate

With the 2025 Australian Open only a few weeks ago, fans are looking forward to the exciting lineups and possible matchups at the first Grand Slam of the season.

Although several players in the top 100 earn automatic qualification, some stars tend to miss out due to a significant dip in their rankings. However, these players can still compete at the event, either by being handed a wildcard entry by tournament organizers or battling their way to the main draw through the qualifying rounds.

Read also

Here is how to watch as Carlos Alcaraz and Jessica Pegula to headline The Garden Cup 2024 at Madison Square Garden

Wawrinka given wildcard entry

The tournament organizers decide who gets a wildcard entry based on the player's history at the event, and fan appeal. Being a former champion in Melbourne, Stan Wawrinka was announced as a wildcard entrant to the 2025 edition.

The Swiss star lifted the trophy in 2014, defeating Rafael Nadal in four sets to win his first of three Grand Slam titles. Wawrinka has since been hampered by injury and is nowhere close to his peak form, but still produces high-level tennis and could be a threat to the higher-ranked players at the event.

Conversely, Kei Nishikori was not granted a wildcard entry to the Australian Open. The Japanese star, who's rank is currently outside the Top 100, may be forced to participate in the qualifiers in order to earn a spot in the main draw. Nishikori's best result in Melbourne has been four quarterfinal appearances, with his most recent happening in 2019.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Unlock your ultimate tennis experience—subscribe today for exclusive access to top stories.

Subscribe