French Open wildcards announced with a surprise as tennis legend missed out but world No. 623 gets a spot
The French Open is kicking off on Monday, May 18, and the wildcard spots have been announced, including some special appearances from tennis legends.
Former champion Stan Wawrinka, who plans to retire at the end of the season, has been given a wildcard to play at Roland Garros. The Swiss star won three Grand Slam titles in his career, including the French Open in 2015. It’s no surprise he’s getting this chance—tournament director Amelie Mauresmo said they want to honor Wawrinka during his last matches at Stade Roland Garros.
French veteran Gael Monfils will also be celebrated as he takes part in the French Open for the last time before retiring at the season’s end.
On the women’s side, 17-year-old Ksenia Efremova, ranked 623 in the world, will get a wildcard to make her Grand Slam debut. She impressed everyone by winning the Australian Open junior title in January and reaching No. 1 in the ITF junior rankings.
However, not every tennis icon got a wildcard this year. Venus Williams, who has reached the French Open final before and has won seven Grand Slam titles, won’t be playing at Roland Garros this time. At 45, she missed out on a wildcard spot despite hoping to compete after skipping the Italian Open because of the Met Gala. Speaking in Madrid, Venus said, “I’m really super sad about that,” explaining she wished she could keep playing on clay but had other commitments.
The tournament will be full of emotion and excitement as these stars take to the courts one last time or make their first big step in the sport!