The U.S. Tennis Association announced on Wednesday that two-time U.S. Open champion Naomi Osaka, along with former winners Stan Wawrinka, Dominic Thiem, and Bianca Andreescu, have been granted wild cards for this year's tournament. These players, despite their past successes, have faced challenges that have impacted their rankings and direct qualification for the event.
Osaka, who claimed her first Grand Slam title at the U.S. Open in 2018 and triumphed again in 2020, has recently returned to the WTA Tour after a hiatus due to giving birth. The Japanese star, known for her dominance on hard courts, is striving to regain her form and ranking following a period of absence and mental health concerns.
Andreescu, the 2019 U.S. Open champion, endured a lengthy hiatus last year due to a back injury but has since made a comeback to competitive tennis. Thiem, the 2020 U.S. Open winner, has been battling a wrist injury and announced his impending retirement at the end of this season.
Wawrinka, a three-time Grand Slam champion, including the 2016 U.S. Open, has also faced setbacks that have seen him drop in the rankings. Despite this, the Swiss player, who has made 72 Grand Slam appearances, remains a formidable presence in the sport.
American players Amanda Anisimova, McCartney Kessler, Alexa Noel, and Iva Jovic, alongside international talents Chloe Paquet and Taylah Preston, have also received wild cards for the women's main draw. On the men's side, Americans Chris Eubanks, Learner Tien, Zachary Svajda, and Matthew Forbes, as well as France's Alexandre Muller and Australia's Tristan Schoolkate, have been granted wild cards.
The U.S. Open, one of tennis' premier events, is set to commence on August 26, showcasing a blend of seasoned champions and emerging talents vying for glory on the iconic courts of Flushing Meadows.
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