Former Australian Open champion Stan Wawrinka has been awarded a wild-card entry into the 2025 tournament, marking his return to Melbourne for his 19th appearance at the prestigious Grand Slam event. The 39-year-old Swiss star, who clinched his first Grand Slam title in 2014 by defeating then-world No. 1 Rafael Nadal in a thrilling final, will be aiming for another deep run in a tournament that has always held a special place in his heart.
Wawrinka, who boasts an impressive 43-17 record at the Australian Open, expressed his excitement and gratitude after receiving the wild card. “I’m incredibly grateful to receive a wild card into the Australian Open in 2025,” said Wawrinka. “Melbourne holds such a special place in my heart. It’s where I won my first Grand Slam, one of the greatest milestones of my career. The city, the people, the loud fans, and the electric atmosphere make the Australian Open so special to me, and I’m really looking forward to getting back on the court in Melbourne.”
The 2025 Australian Open will mark another chapter in Wawrinka’s illustrious career, with his previous triumphs in Melbourne making it one of his favorite tournaments. After years of battling injuries and overcoming setbacks, Wawrinka continues to be a formidable presence on the ATP Tour and will hope to add to his three Grand Slam titles when the tournament begins in January.
In addition to Wawrinka’s wild card entry, a total of nine players received wild cards for the upcoming Australian Open. On the women’s side, Australian Ajla Tomljanovic, 31, was among the wild-card recipients. Tomljanovic, who reached a career-high ranking of No. 32 in April 2023, has been struggling with injuries but is determined to make her mark in Melbourne. “There’s no better feeling than playing in Melbourne in front of all the Aussie fans,” Tomljanovic said. “I’m so excited and grateful to be back competing at the Australian Open.”
The 2025 Australian Open will feature a mix of veterans, like Wawrinka and Tomljanovic, as well as rising stars looking to make a name for themselves in one of tennis’s most iconic tournaments. With the wild-card selections now announced, the anticipation for the Australian Open continues to build, promising a highly competitive and thrilling start to the 2025 tennis season.
