Wawrinka’s coach admits US Open snub “sure hurts” as farewell dream ends

Tuesday, 25 August 2026 at 17:37

Stan Wawrinka's coach Magnus Norman has admitted that it “sure hurts” to see the three-time Grand Slam champion denied a wildcard for the US Open, leaving the Swiss without the chance to make one final appearance at Flushing Meadows before retiring.

Wawrinka had publicly pushed for a wildcard as he prepares to end his 24-year professional career at the age of 41. Despite being a former US Open champion and one of the most accomplished players of his generation, he was left off the initial wildcard list and was overlooked again when additional places became available.

The final wildcard eventually went to American world No. 115 Patrick Kypson, confirming that Wawrinka will not feature in the US Open main draw. The Swiss also did not enter qualifying, meaning his last appearance at the tournament will remain his first-round defeat in 2024.

Norman, who has worked with Wawrinka for more than a decade, acknowledged the disappointment while reflecting on the memories they created together in New York. Wawrinka's career will now move toward its final chapter with only a handful of tournaments remaining before his retirement.

Norman reacts to Wawrinka's US Open snub

Wawrinka's team had hoped to give the veteran one final Grand Slam appearance at 41, particularly after he received wildcards into all three other majors this season. However, the US Open ultimately prioritized American players when distributing its invitations.

“We pushed to play one last Grand Slam at 41 years of age but we just came up short,” Norman wrote on social media. “It sure hurts but thanks for all the beautiful memories on and off the court together with you and the team in New York for the last 13 years.”

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The decision means Wawrinka will not return to the tournament where he produced one of the defining victories of his career. Exactly 10 years ago, he defeated Novak Djokovic in the 2016 final to win his third Grand Slam title, adding the US Open trophy to the Australian Open crown he won in 2014 and the French Open title from 2015.

Wawrinka finished his Grand Slam career with a 160-74 record, including a 46-16 mark at the US Open. His last victory in New York came in 2023, when he defeated Yoshihito Nishioka before losing to Jannik Sinner in the third round.

Wawirnka raises both arms celebrating a victory on his run at the 2016 US Open

Wawrinka's final Grand Slam appearances are now over

Wawrinka's 2026 season included one final deep Grand Slam run. He reached the third round of the Australian Open after defeating Laslo Djere and Arthur Fery before falling to ninth seed Taylor Fritz.

He subsequently received wildcards for the French Open and Wimbledon, where he had never advanced beyond the quarterfinals in his career. His run in London ended in the first round against Matteo Berrettini, a match that would unknowingly prove to be the final Grand Slam main-draw appearance of his career.

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The Swiss had already missed the 2025 US Open after failing to receive a wildcard, but this year's decision carries greater significance given his imminent retirement. With the final wildcard now awarded, there is no route left for Wawrinka to return to the New York major.

His final competitive commitments will now focus on the remaining tournaments of the 2026 season, including the Swiss Open Indoors, where he will have the opportunity to say goodbye to his home crowd.

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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