Archive · 27 Aug 2026
Former champions Wawrinka and Williams sisters receive US Open wildcards
Stan Wawrinka and the Williams sisters received late invitations to play at the 2026 US Open.
Wawrinka will play singles after Patrick Kypson withdrew with an injury.
Wawrinka has said he plans to retire after this season.
He was not included in the first wildcard list, which led to criticism.
Venus and Serena Williams will play together in women’s doubles.
Venus will also play singles, but Serena will not enter that event.
Serena recently returned to Arthur Ashe Stadium for mixed doubles with Carlos Alcaraz.
The sisters have won many major doubles titles together.
Their last US Open doubles appearance was in 2022.
Stan Wawrinka replaced injured American Patrick Kypson in the 2026 US Open singles draw.
Wawrinka, 41, plans to retire from professional tennis after the 2026 season.
Venus and Serena Williams received a wildcard for women’s doubles at the tournament.
Venus Williams also received a wildcard for the women’s singles event.
The Williams sisters have won 14 women’s doubles Grand Slam titles together, including two US Opens.
- Who
- Stan Wawrinka, Venus Williams and Serena Williams received wildcards; Patrick Kypson withdrew with an injury.
- What
- Wawrinka was added to the men’s singles draw, while the Williams sisters were granted women’s doubles entry and Venus also received a singles wildcard.
- When
- The announcements came shortly before the 2026 US Open; officials announced the Williams sisters’ doubles wildcard on Wednesday.
- Where
- The competition will take place in New York, including Arthur Ashe Stadium.
- Why
- Wawrinka entered after Kypson’s injury withdrawal, while the articles do not state a specific reason for the Williams sisters’ wildcard.
Critics of the Initial Wildcard List
Tournament Officials’ Decision
Wawrinka’s omission
Critics of the Initial Wildcard List
The USTA’s decision not to include the 41-year-old former champion in the initial wildcard list prompted backlash, including criticism from former champion Andy Roddick.
Tournament Officials’ Decision
Wawrinka was later granted entry after Patrick Kypson withdrew with an injury, and Wawrinka said he was excited to compete again in New York.
Williams sisters’ return
Critics of the Initial Wildcard List
The sisters’ last US Open doubles appearance ended in an opening-round loss in 2022, and they later withdrew from Wimbledon after Serena suffered an injury.
Tournament Officials’ Decision
Tournament officials granted Venus and Serena a women’s doubles wildcard, while Venus also received a singles wildcard.
- Tournament
- 2026 US Open
- Wawrinka’s singles status
- Replaced Patrick Kypson after Kypson withdrew because of injury
- Wawrinka’s career plan
- Plans to retire after the 2026 season
- Williams doubles entry
- Venus and Serena Williams received a women’s doubles wildcard
- Venus Williams
- Also received a wildcard for women’s singles
- Williams sisters’ Grand Slam doubles titles
- 14 combined, including two US Open titles
- Last US Open doubles appearance
- They competed together in 2022 and lost their opening match