Stan Wawrinka didn't get a US Open main draw wildcard and fans suspect he was overlooked for one because he had a strong reaction to the Jannik Sinner doping case.
Eight days ago, the organizers of the last Grand Slam of the year announced eight wildcard recipients in the men's section - Brandon Holt, Nishesh Basavareddy, Tristan Boyer, Emilio Nava, Stefan Dostanic, Darwin Blanch, Valentin Royer, and Tristan Schoolkate.
Wawrinka, who has been ranked outside the top-100 for quite some time, received a main draw wildcard for last year's US Open, as well as this year's Australian Open and French Open - he didn't play during the grass season. With that being said, the former world No. 3 was expected to get one to compete at Flushing Meadows again. But it didn't happen for the tournament's winner.
When world No. 1 and defending US Open champion Sinner settled on a three-month doping suspension with the WADA, Wawrinka posted on X that he "did not believe in a clean sport anymore." Some fans suspect that's why he didn't get a wildcard for the last Major of the year.
Fans' reaction to Wawrinka not getting a US Open wildcard
"Shocking to see that former champion @stanwawrinka has been denied a main draw wild card at the US Open. Not a good look," one fan wrote.
Another claimed: "This is what happens when you speak up against the establishment's narrative.@stanwawrinka deserves respect for saying the truth.
The third said: "I guess its reprisal for truthfully saying he doesnt think the sport is clean. Its what the vast majority of players as well as fans think. Thank goodness for guys like Stan who keep my faith in tennis."
Another suggested that Wawrinka's strong comment didn't sit well with the tennis authorities.
"Stan The Man poked the pencil necked geeks in the chest - and rightfully so by saying something to the effect of tennis as regulated by ATP/WTA is not a clean sport. Corruption needs to be cleaned up and Stan should definitely get a wild card..."
Wawrinka is only 2-10 on the main level this year and he is sitting at No. 146 in the world.
