The Australian Open tournament organisers announced on Friday that they have awarded Stan Wawrinka a main draw wild card into the season’s first major.
“It’s amazing. I’m super grateful to receive a wild card to play the Australian Open in my last year on tour,” said Wawrinka from Sydney, where on Saturday he will lead Switzerland into battle against Belgium in the United Cup semifinals.
“Special thanks to Tennis Australia and Craig Tiley for this amazing opportunity. I have so many great memories of the past 20 years in Melbourne. It’s always special to go back to where I won my first Grand Slam. I’m really looking forward to it.”
Wawrinka owns a 43-18 record at the Australian Open according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index. In 2014, he won his first major title at Melbourne Park, beating Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal on way to the trophy.
This will be the 20th time Wawrinka competes in singles at the Australian Open. Last year he fell in four tight sets in the first round to Lorenzo Sonego.
The No. 156 player in the PIF ATP Rankings has missed just one edition of the tournament since 2006 and has advanced to at least the quarterfinals five times. The 40-year-old recently announced that 2026 will be his last year competing on the ATP Tour.
Organisers announce record $111.5 million prize pool
Meanwhile, the Australian Open organisers announced a record Australian $111.5 million prize money pool, the largest in event history.
The $111.5 million is up 16 per cent from $96.5 million in 2025. Qualifying rounds are up by 16 per cent and all singles and doubles players will receive a minimum of 10 per cent increase.
“This 16 per cent increase demonstrates our commitment to supporting tennis careers at every level,” Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley said. “From boosting qualifying prize money by 55 per cent since 2023 to enhancing player benefits, we’re ensuring professional tennis is sustainable for all competitors.”
The singles champion will receive $4.15 million, up 19 per cent year over year. The runner-up will earn $2.15 million and the semifinalists $1.25 million each.
