Who are the wildcard picks at US Open 2026?
Stan Wawrinka took the last spot in the men’s category
The build-up to the US Open 2026 has taken a turn, and much of it centres on the tournament’s wildcard entries. A wildcard is a special exemption that allows a player to enter the main draw despite not qualifying through the rankings route.
These places are usually reserved for promising young players, former champions, or athletes from partner nations.
While the list appeared final, one change has grabbed the headlines. Stan Wawrinka, the 2016 champion, was initially left out and publicly bid farewell to the tournament, only to be handed a place after another public backlash.
This year, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) awarded eight wildcards each in the men’s and women’s singles draws.
Related: ‘Very sad and disappointed’: Jannik Sinner announces shocking US Open 2026 withdrawal
Wildcard entries at 2026 US Open
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Men’s Wildcard for US Open 2026
Leading the men’s list is Gael Monfils of France, who is competing in his final season on tour. He is joined by a group of emerging American players, along with Darwin Blanch, Australia’s Dane Sweeny, and Stan Wawrinka, who received the eighth spot after Patrick Kypson withdrew due to injury.
- Gael Monfils (France) — reciprocal agreement with the French federation
- Michael Zheng (USA) — two-time reigning NCAA men’s singles champion
- J.J. Wolf (USA) — US Open Wild Card Challenge winner
- Sebastian Gorzny (USA) — American Collegiate Player Wild Card Playoff winner
- Jack Kennedy (USA) — USTA Boys’ 18s national champion
- Darwin Blanch (USA) — reallocated after Martin Damm moved into the main draw
- Dane Sweeny (Australia) — reciprocal agreement with Tennis Australia
- Stan Wawrinka (Switzerland) — awarded after Patrick Kypson’s withdrawal
Women’s Wildcards for US Open 2026
On the women’s side, former champions Venus Williams and Sloane Stephens headline the list, joined by rising American stars and two players entering through reciprocal agreements. Serena Williams has not taken up a singles wildcard this year and will instead focus on doubles alongside her sister Venus.
- Venus Williams (USA) — former champion
- Sloane Stephens (USA) — former champion
- Carol Young Suh Lee (USA)
- Reese Brantmeier (USA)
- Thea Frodin (USA)
- Leolia Jeanjean (France) — reciprocal agreement with the French federation
- Taylah Preston (Australia) — reciprocal agreement with Tennis Australia
What is a wildcard in tennis?
A wildcard is a special entry that allows a player into a tournament’s main draw even if their ranking would not normally qualify them. It is typically given to promising young players, former champions, injury returnees, or athletes from partner nations.
Why was Stan Wawrinka initially left out of the 2026 US Open?
The USTA had awarded its final men’s wildcard to American Patrick Kypson, ranked No. 115, leaving no spots for Wawrinka. He was added back to the draw after Kypson withdrew due to injury
Will Serena Williams play singles at the 2026 US Open?
No. Serena has chosen not to take up a singles wildcard this year. She will instead play doubles alongside her sister Venus Williams, reuniting for the first time since 2022.
Which players have received wildcard entries at US Open 2026?
Gael Monfils and Stan Wawrinka (men’s singles), Venus Williams and Sloane Stephens (women’s singles) are some of the players who have been granted wildcard entries to the 2026 US Open.
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Ajay Gandhar has been part of Khel Now since 2023 and has expertise across a wide range of Olympic sports. While his coverage spans the Olympic spectrum, he is passionate about Badminton, Tennis, Football, and Track and Field. Beyond his primary focus areas, Ajay is also an avid kabaddi enthusiast and closely follows the sport.