Wawrinka and Monfils Receive Wild Cards for French Open 2026

Wild Card Entries for Tennis Legends

Stan Wawrinka, a three-time Grand Slam winner, along with veteran Gael Monfils, has been awarded wild-card entries for the upcoming French Open 2026. Both players have announced their plans to retire at the end of this year. Wawrinka, aged 41, famously clinched the French Open title in 2015 by defeating Novak Djokovic. On the other hand, Monfils, 39, made it to the semifinals in Paris back in 2008. The two tennis icons will be celebrated following their final matches at Roland Garros. In addition to Wawrinka and Monfils, other players such as Nishesh Basavareddy, Titouan Droguet, Hugo Gaston, Arthur Gea, Moise Kouame, and Adam Walton have also received wild cards for the singles draw.

Wawrinka achieved a career-high ranking of World No. 3 and triumphed over both Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic when they were ranked No. 1, securing his three Grand Slam titles. His victories include the 2014 Australian Open against Nadal and another Australian Open title in 2016 against Djokovic. He also earned a men’s doubles gold medal with Roger Federer at the 2008 Olympics and contributed to Switzerland's 2014 Davis Cup win.

Monfils reached the semifinals of a Grand Slam for the second time at the 2016 US Open and became the oldest ATP Tour title winner at age 39 when he secured his 13th title in Auckland in 2025.

No Wild Card for David Goffin

In contrast, Belgian veteran David Goffin, who has also declared that the 2026 season will be his last, did not receive a main-draw wild card. Goffin is recognized as one of the sport's greats, having won six ATP titles and reached the quarterfinals at the French Open, Wimbledon, and the Australian Open.

Carlos Alcaraz to Miss French Open 2026

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz will not participate in the French Open 2026 due to an injury. He stated, "After the results of the tests carried out today, we have decided that the most prudent thing to do is to be cautious and not participate in Rome or Roland Garros as we wait to evaluate the progress so we can decide when to return to the court." Alcaraz expressed that this is a challenging time for him, but he remains optimistic about coming back stronger.