Stan Wawrinka’s Final Appearance at the French Open
Stan Wawrinka, a former champion of the French Open, has been granted a main-draw wildcard for this month’s tournament, marking what is expected to be his last appearance at Roland-Garros. The Swiss player, who claimed victory in 2015, has announced that this season will be his final one before retiring from professional tennis.
In recognition of his contributions to the sport, plans are being made to honor Wawrinka following his final match in Paris. This celebration will also extend to fellow wildcard entry Gael Monfils, another prominent figure in French tennis. Monfils, who is set to retire at the end of the year, was a semi-finalist in 2008 and continues to be a beloved figure among fans.
Wawrinka currently holds the 125th ranking in the world, while Monfils, despite his age, is ranked 222nd. Their presence at the tournament highlights the legacy of these players and their impact on the game.
David Goffin’s Wildcard into Qualifying
Contrastingly, Belgian veteran David Goffin, who has also announced that the 2026 season will be his last, did not receive a main-draw wildcard. The 35-year-old, now ranked 249th, was instead awarded a wildcard into the qualifying tournament. Goffin reached a career-high ranking of seventh in the world and secured six ATP Tour titles. He also made it to the last eight at the French Open, Wimbledon, and the Australian Open.
Despite his achievements, Goffin’s absence from the main draw underscores the competitive nature of the French Open and the challenges faced by aging players seeking to maintain their presence on the court.
Wawrinka’s Accomplishments
Wawrinka’s career is marked by significant achievements. He reached a career high of No. 3 in the world and famously defeated Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic when both were ranked world No. 1. His victories include beating Nadal in the 2014 Australian Open final and Djokovic in both the 2015 French Open and 2016 US Open finals.
In addition to his singles success, Wawrinka won men’s doubles gold alongside compatriot Roger Federer at the 2008 Olympics and contributed to Switzerland’s 2014 Davis Cup title.
Monfils’ Legacy
Monfils, a two-time major semi-finalist, has an impressive record that includes a semi-final run at the 2016 US Open. At 39 years old, he became the ATP Tour’s oldest winner of a title when he claimed his 13th in Auckland in 2025. His journey through the sport reflects a blend of talent, resilience, and passion.
Other Wildcards
The remaining men’s wildcards into the Roland-Garros main draw were awarded to American Nishesh Basavareddy and Australian Adam Walton, as part of a reciprocal agreement with the US and Australian tennis federations. Additionally, French players Titouan Droguet, Hugo Gaston, Arthur Gea, and Moise Kouame received wildcards.
On the women’s side, wildcards were given to Australia’s Emerson Jones and American player Akasha Urhobo, along with French players Clara Burel, Ksenia Efremova, Fiona Ferro, Leolia Jeanjean, Sarah Rakotomanga, and Alice Tubello.
Upcoming Tournament
The French Open is set to begin on 24 May, drawing attention from fans and players alike. As the tournament approaches, the stories of Wawrinka and Monfils serve as reminders of the enduring spirit of tennis and the legacies that players leave behind.
