Wild Cards Announced for U.S. Open: Past Champions Return

Two-time champion Naomi Osaka, along with past U.S. Open winners Stan Wawrinka, Dominic Thiem, and Bianca Andreescu, have received wild cards for this year's U.S. Open. Despite recent struggles and time away from the court, these players will compete in the tournament starting August 26.

Two-time champion Naomi Osaka and fellow past U.S. Open winners Stan Wawrinka, Dominic Thiem, and Bianca Andreescu have been given wild cards into this year's tournament.

Osaka, who claimed her first Grand Slam title at Flushing Meadows in 2018 and won again in 2020, missed significant time in recent seasons and was unable to qualify directly. She returned to the WTA Tour after giving birth last year and is still seeking her top form. Osaka also took a break for mental health reasons and recently lost in qualifying for the Cincinnati Open. In an Instagram post, she described it as "a strange feeling missing balls that I shouldn't miss."

Andreescu, who defeated Serena Williams for the 2019 U.S. Open title, missed nine months last year due to a back injury but returned at the French Open. Thiem, announcing his retirement post-season, won his only major at the 2020 U.S. Open and has struggled with a wrist injury. Wawrinka, 39, a three-time Grand Slam champion, will make his 72nd Grand Slam main draw appearance. The U.S. Open begins on August 26.

(With inputs from agencies.)