Stan Wawrinka comments on whether Nick Kyrgios deserves a wild card for the Australian Open

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Stan Wawrinka and Nick Kyrgios have yet to receive wild cards for the 2026 Australian Open.

As things stand, the 2014 champion and 2015 quarterfinalist won’t be competing in Melbourne this year.

There is still time, however, for Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley to change his mind and offer the pair spots in the main draw.

Who is your dark horse for the 2026 Australian Open?

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During this week’s United Cup, Wawrinka admitted he didn’t know if he’d be given a wild card, while Kyrgios suggested that he wouldn’t want to take a spot away from someone more deserving if he isn’t 100% fit.

After Switzerland’s quarterfinal win over Argentina, Wawrinka was asked whether he believes Kyrgios deserves an Australian Open wild card.

Stan Wawrinka says Nick Kyrgios is an ‘amazing player’ amid wild card debate

“Yeah, you know, [Nick] Kyrgios is an amazing player,” said Wawrinka.

“He’s been a lot injured, of course, last few years. Not easy for him.

“He had amazing results in his career. Made the final in Grand Slams.

Nick Kyrgios’ Grand Slam record

“Of course, if he’s fit and ready, he wants to play there.

“He’s been playing a bit more last few weeks, playing some exhibitions.

Nick Kyrgios is good for tennis – Prove me wrong!

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“He plays Brisbane now.

Nick Kyrgios at the 2026 Brisbane International

• 2026 Brisbane International Doubles 1R [WIN] vs Matthew Ebden/Rajeev Ram
• 2026 Brisbane International Singles 1R [LOSS] vs Aleksandar Kovacevic
• 2026 Brisbane International Doubles 2R [LOSS] vs Sadio Doumbia/Fabien Reboul

“Hopefully, he can be fit without injury for a full year.”

Wawrinka didn’t exactly give a definitive answer, but certainly recognised Kyrgios’ quality.

But what did he say of his own wild card chances?

“I’ve been talking to Craig [Tiley] in December before coming here. They’ve been updating me a bit with everything,” he said.

“Again, I think, as I said already yesterday or two days ago, I’m super happy if I get one. I want to play one more time. Of course, it’s my last year. Amazing memories from there, but I’m so grateful I received one last year.

“Wild card, it’s a wild card. I had one job to do if I wanted to play one more time was to be in the top 100, and I’m not.

Stan Wawrinka’s problem

• AUS Open cut-off – #103 Carlos Taberner (630 points)
• Needing a wild card – #156 Stan Wawrinka (397 points)

“So far, I’m happy we are here in Perth. We had an amazing week. Enjoying that with the team. Going to Sydney, playing there again. Next week I’m going to play in Auckland. Got the wild card there.

“I’m happy where I am right now, and I’m not worried too much about what’s going to happen in Melbourne.”

While Wawrinka isn’t worrying about Melbourne, he isn’t denying that he would relish a chance to play one last Australian Open.

“Of course, extra special for sure in my last year after winning my first Slam there and having memories. Of course, it would be amazing,” he said.

“But, again, I don’t take that for granted.

“Hopefully, I have one. I will be super happy. If not, no worries.”

Still alive in the United Cup, Wawrinka will want to forget about the wild card talk for now, as he prepares for the semifinals.

Who will Switzerland play in the United Cup semifinals?

Beating Argentina in the quarterfinals, Switzerland advanced to the last four for the first time.

Switzerland vs Argentina

In the semifinals, Switzerland will play the winner of Czechia and Belgium’s quarterfinal tie (Thursday, January 8).

Therefore, Wawrinka will take on either Jakub Mensik or Zizou Bergs in his next singles match.

Whatever happens, you won’t want to miss any of the action when Wawrinka returns for the United Cup semifinals on Saturday, January 10.