Stan Wawrinka has released a statement after being refused a wildcard spot for this summer's US Open. The three-time Grand Slam champion will not play at Flushing Meadows after tournament organisers overlooked him for a place in the main draw.
Emotional tribute to New York
Writing on Instagram, Wawrinka reflected on his long relationship with the tournament and the city. He recalled arriving in New York from a small farming village in Switzerland and feeling that everything was too big — the city, the noise, the energy, the crowds and the lights.
"But year after year New York slowly became one of my favorite places in the world. This city challenged me. It pushed me. It brought something out of me that few places ever could. I experienced some of the strongest emotions of my career here."
Memories of 2016 triumph
Wawrinka, who won the US Open in 2016, described the tournament as one of the greatest moments of his life. "The battles, the late nights, the incredible atmosphere, the love from the crowd…memories that will stay with me forever. Winning the US Open, in the city that never sleeps, will forever be one of the greatest moments of my life. Thank you, New York."
He also thanked the tournament and its fans directly. "Thank you, @usopen. Thank you to every single fan who supported me, pushed me, believed in me and shared all these emotions with me over the years. Forever grateful. Forever New York."
