The US Open is due to start later this month, and as such, anticipation is growing.
There is always excitement around this event, not just because it is the last Grand Slam tournament of the year, but also because of just how huge the tournament is.
Few can deny that the Americans do it bigger than anybody else, with the marketing, fan-focused events and alternative avenues of entertainment drawing huge crowds and big names from all across the planet.
It puts tennis on the map, and the New York crowd go crazy for it.
Photo by Daniel Kopatsch/Getty Images
However, this year, they have arguably made a mistake before any of it has even begun.
After all, they have oddly omitted one of their former champions when handing out wild cards for the singles draw.
US Open announces singles wild cards for 2025 tournament
On Wednesday, the US Open announced the eight men and eight women selected to be gifted entry into this prestigious major, with Venus Williams the standout name.
It always felt like the seven-time Grand Slam champion would return, especially after playing and impressing in both Washington and Cincinnati.
However, it is on the men’s side where the controversy has really sprung.
After all, they have named six Americans, one Australian and a Frenchman to make up their list of men to enter the singles draw, including Nishesh Basavareddy and Darwin Blanch.
The other Americans include Brandon Holt, Tristan Boyer, Emilio Nava and Stefan Dostanic, with Australian Tristan Schoolkate and Valentin Royer the two non-Americans invited.
Somehow, they could not find room for their 2016 champion, Stan Wawrinka.
Stan Wawrinka should have been given a US Open wild card
Wawrinka’s omission marks a sad and rather unceremonious moment for the Swiss superstar, once ranked third in the world.
After all, it all but confirms that 2024, his last appearance in New York, will have been his final one.
Results have not been kind for the legendary veteran, who has spent the bulk of 2024 competing in Challenger events, with varied success.
However, many times throughout the years, results have not impacted a legend’s ability to receive a wild card for these prestigious tournaments, even if Wawrinka admitted to considering retirement earlier in the year.
It is more about honouring the legacy of a past champion, as someone who contributed to the great legacy of the competition.
YearEventOpponent beaten in the final2016US OpenNovak Djokovic2015French OpenNovak Djokovic2014Australian OpenRafael NadalStan Wawrinka’s three Grand Slam titles
Wawrinka certainly did that in 2016, as he defeated the world number one and defending champion Novak Djokovic in the final to claim his third Grand Slam title.
It’s understandable that the US Open organisers would want to provide the younger US generation with this unbelievable gift, but on this occasion, it feels really harsh to have snubbed Wawrinka.
He deserved better, and this marks a big mistake that is not a good look from the outside looking in.