Tournament organisers have confirmed that three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka has been awarded a main-draw wild card for the 2026 Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell.
The announcement comes as part of Wawrinka’s “farewell tour.” The 41-year-old Swiss legend officially announced last year that the 2026 season would be his final year on the ATP Tour, bringing a legendary 24-year career to a close.
Wawrinka was also recently confirmed as a wild card for the Geneva Open, which takes place mid May this year.
Often referred to by fans as “Stanimal,” he has long been a favorite on the European clay-court swing. While he is perhaps best known for his one-handed backhand and his 2015 Roland Garros triumph, his history in Barcelona is significant. The tournament, held at the historic Real Club de Tenis Barcelona-1899, serves as a vital warm-up for the French Open.
“Barcelona is one of the most iconic stops on the tour,” Wawrinka commented. “The atmosphere and the history of this club are special. To have the chance to compete here one last time in front of these incredible fans means a lot to me.”
Defying Age in his Final Season
Despite his ranking hovering outside the Top 100 for much of the previous year, Wawrinka has shown flashes of his vintage form in early 2026. He reached the third round of the Australian Open in January (where he also competed on a wild card) and has already secured several top-50 wins this season.
His longtime coach, Magnus Norman, recently noted that Wawrinka isn’t just looking for a ceremonial exit. “Stan is still motivated by the competition. He’s working as hard as ever to ensure he leaves the game while still being a threat on the court,” Norman said.
Joining a Star-Studded Field
Wawrinka joins a strong lineup in Barcelona that is expected to include world number one Carlos Alcaraz and other clay-court specialists such as Musetti and Ruud. For the Barcelona organisers, awarding the wild card to Wawrinka was described as a “tribute to a modern great of the game.”
The 2026 Barcelona Open is scheduled to take place in mid-April.
Career at a Glance: Stan Wawrinka
- Grand Slam Titles: 3 (Australian Open 2014, French Open 2015, US Open 2016)
- Career High Ranking: No. 3
- Olympic Gold: Men’s Doubles (2008, with Roger Federer)
- ATP Titles: 16