Stan Wawrinka secures French Open wildcard for his final season
Former champion Stan Wawrinka has been awarded a main-draw wildcard for the upcoming French Open ahead of his retirement at the end of the season.
The 41-year-old Swiss, who lifted the Coupe des Mousquetaires in 2015, confirmed earlier this year that he will conclude his illustrious career following the current campaign.
Tournament organisers are planning special tributes in Paris to honour both the three-time Grand Slam winner and home favourite Gael Monfils.
The French veteran, who reached the semi-finals at Roland Garros in 2008, is also set to step away from the sport later this year.
Farewell to an era
The Lausanne native currently sits 125th in the world rankings, necessitating the wildcard entry for direct access to the main draw.
Monfils has also slipped down the standings to 222nd, though he recently made history in Auckland as the oldest player to win an ATP Tour title.
During his peak, the formidable Swiss star reached world number three and secured major championships by defeating both Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic when they held the number one ranking.
He also claimed Olympic doubles gold alongside compatriot Roger Federer in 2008 and anchored Switzerland to a historic Davis Cup triumph in 2014.
Goffin misses out on main draw
While two retiring veterans secured direct entry, there was disappointment for David Goffin.
The Belgian, who is concluding his career at the end of the 2026 season, was only granted a wildcard into the qualifying tournament.
Now ranked 249th, the former world number seven previously reached the quarter-finals at three different Grand Slam events.
The remaining men’s wildcards were distributed through reciprocal agreements and to a selection of emerging French talent.
The clay-court major officially begins on 24 May.