The Australian Open 2026 has extended special invitations to two of tennis's most charismatic figures, setting the stage for an emotional and thrilling start to the year's first Grand Slam. Swiss legend Stan Wawrinka, embarking on his farewell tour, and Australian fan-favourite Nick Kyrgios, making a cautious return from injury, have been granted wildcard entries.
Stan Wawrinka's Grand Slam Farewell Begins in Melbourne
Stan Wawrinka, the 40-year-old three-time Grand Slam champion, will grace the Melbourne courts one final time after receiving a coveted singles wildcard. This gesture holds profound significance for Wawrinka, as the Australian Open was the site of his maiden major triumph in 2014. On January 11, 2026, tournament organisers confirmed the news, allowing the veteran a fitting start to his last season on the ATP Tour.
Wawrinka's 2014 victory was a career-defining moment where he defeated Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals en route to the title. He later added the French Open crown in 2015 and the US Open in 2016, amassing 16 career titles and over $38 million in prize money while competing in the golden era of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Djokovic.
"Winning the Australian Open in 2014, my first Grand Slam title, is an absolute career highlight for me, so I’m incredibly grateful to receive this wild card," Wawrinka stated. He added, "To have the chance to play the Australian Open at the beginning of my final year on tour means the world to me." The Swiss star recently competed at the United Cup in Sydney, where he fell to Zizou Bergs before teammate Belinda Bencic secured Switzerland's spot in the finals.
Nick Kyrgios Opts for Doubles Comeback
In a parallel development, Australia's own Nick Kyrgios has accepted a wildcard, but with a strategic twist. After being plagued by injuries for the past three seasons, Kyrgios has decided to focus on the doubles competition at his home Grand Slam. He will partner with his compatriot and close friend, Thanasi Kokkinakis.
Kyrgios took to social media to explain his decision, writing, "After some good conversations with Tennis Australia I’ve made the call to focus on doubles for this year’s AO. I’m fit and back on court, but five-setters are a different beast and I’m not quite ready to go the distance yet." This move indicates a careful, phased return to top-level tennis for the mercurial talent, prioritising longevity and match fitness.
What This Means for the Australian Open
The allocation of these wildcards adds rich narrative layers to the 2026 Australian Open. For fans, it offers a chance to celebrate Wawrinka's illustrious career one last time and witness the potential resurgence of Kyrgios in a format where he has previously excelled. The "Special K" pairing of Kyrgios and Kokkinakis is sure to draw massive crowds and electrify the doubles arena.
These decisions by Tennis Australia highlight the tournament's blend of honouring past champions and nurturing local talent. Wawrinka's journey begins against Poland's Hubert Hurkacz, while all eyes will be on the Kyrgios-Kokkinakis team to recreate their magical 2022 Australian Open doubles title run. The stage is set for a memorable opening Grand Slam of the 2026 season.
