Wawrinka ends US Open chapter as wildcard dream fades

The Swiss star, who won the US Open title in 2016, departed the tournament grounds without competing in the main draw following the rejection of his wildcard application. The 39-year-old had harboured hopes of making one last appearance at the year's final Grand Slam as part of his farewell tour.

Wawrinka's absence from this year's competition represents a symbolic close to his long association with the New York tournament. The three-time Grand Slam champion has previously reached the US Open final on multiple occasions during a decorated career that has spanned nearly two decades.

The decision to deny Wawrinka a wildcard suggests organisers may have opted to distribute the limited spots to other players, leaving the veteran without a path into the main draw. His inability to secure direct entry through rankings or a wildcard has effectively ended any prospect of competing at the tournament in 2024.

Wawrinka has signalled this will be his final season on the professional circuit, making the miss at Flushing Meadows a poignant moment in his career trajectory. The emotional farewell underscores the challenges faced by ageing players seeking to conclude their careers on their own terms at sport's biggest stages.