Home / Sports / Wawrinka's Grand Slam Farewell: A Surprise NYC Return
Wawrinka's Grand Slam Farewell: A Surprise NYC Return
31 Aug
Summary
- Wawrinka nearly missed his final Grand Slam appearance at the U.S. Open.
- A player's withdrawal unexpectedly granted Wawrinka a wild-card entry.
- He was practicing in Switzerland when he received the call to return.
Stan Wawrinka is set to make an unexpected final Grand Slam appearance at the U.S. Open, a decade after his championship victory there. The three-time Grand Slam winner had already bid farewell to the tournament and New York, believing his career was over after not receiving a wild-card entry.
While preparing for retirement in Switzerland, Wawrinka received word of his inclusion in the U.S. Open draw following an injury to another player. This sudden change of plans brought him back to New York for his "roller coaster" week.
Wawrinka, currently ranked world No. 125, practiced with Carlos Alcaraz on Sunday. His return allows him to play his final U.S. Open match in the city he loves, potentially facing Novak Djokovic in the second round, whom he defeated in the 2016 final.
In 2016, Wawrinka defeated Djokovic in a hard-fought match to become the oldest U.S. Open men's singles champion since 1970. He fondly recalls the final's excitement and the energy of the New York fans.
