Former French Open champion Stan Wawrinka has been awarded a wildcard for the 2024 Roland-Garros tournament, in what is expected to be his final season on the professional tour. The three-time Grand Slam winner, who lifted the Suzanne Lenglen Cup in 2015, will make his last appearance at the clay-court major, a tournament where he has consistently delivered memorable performances.
Wawrinka, now 39, has been a significant figure in men's tennis for over two decades. His wildcard entry allows him to bypass the qualifying rounds and compete directly in the main draw, providing a fitting farewell for a player who has given so much to the sport. His 2015 triumph at Roland-Garros saw him defeat Novak Djokovic in a thrilling final, a testament to his formidable backhand and powerful all-court game.
Joining Wawrinka in receiving a wildcard is French fan favourite Gaël Monfils. The flamboyant Monfils, known for his athleticism and entertaining style of play, will be a drawcard for the home crowd. His inclusion ensures that local spectators will have a prominent French player to support deep into the tournament, should he progress.
The wildcards are typically granted by the French Tennis Federation to players who may not have a high enough ranking to gain direct entry but have a strong history with the tournament, are promising young talents, or provide a significant draw for the event. Wawrinka's status as a former champion and his impending retirement undoubtedly played a role in the decision, offering him a final opportunity to compete on one of tennis's grandest stages.
The French Open is scheduled to commence later this month at Roland-Garros in Paris. Tennis enthusiasts, particularly those in the UK who follow the Grand Slams closely, will be keen to see how Wawrinka performs in his swansong appearance, hoping for one last display of his exceptional talent.
For Monfils, it represents another chance to make a deep run at his home Grand Slam, an achievement that has eluded him despite numerous strong showings over the years. Both players' inclusion adds significant narrative and excitement to the upcoming tournament.