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Italian Open faces backlash after Stan Wawrinka withdraws from tournament
TL;DR
Stan Wawrinka has withdrawn from the Italian Open after winning his first qualifying match. He did not receive a wildcard entry for the main draw and was forced to retire before his final qualifying match.
Key points
- Stan Wawrinka withdrew from the Italian Open.
- He won his first qualifying match against Stefano Travaglia.
- Wawrinka did not receive a wildcard for the main draw.
- He retired before his final qualifying match.
Stan WawrinkaItalian Open
Photo by Fred Lee/Getty Images
Stan Wawrinka’s Italian Open run ends after retirement in qualifying
Stan Wawrinka’s bid to reach the main draw at the Italian Open came to an abrupt end after he was forced to withdraw during qualifying.
The Swiss veteran didn’t receive a wildcard entry for the main draw, so he had to go through qualifying to earn his place. He made it past Stefano Travaglia in three sets, winning 4-6, 7-6, 6-1. But shortly after that win, Wawrinka pulled out before his final qualifying match.
His withdrawal meant Pablo Carreno Busta moved into the main draw as a lucky loser. This also means that Wawrinka’s appearance against Zizou Bergs was his last in Rome’s main draw, as he has since announced his retirement from professional tennis.
Stan Wawrinka should have received a wildcard for the Italian Open
Photo by Shi Tang/Getty Images
The Italian Open missed an opportunity by not giving Stan Wawrinka a wildcard.
He’s a three-time Grand Slam winner and a former finalist in Rome, someone who deserved the chance to play in the main draw one last time.
There were really two errors from organisers regarding Wawrinka’s involvement this year.
First, he should have been given a wildcard. He’s in his final season, and fans with main draw tickets would have appreciated seeing him play once more in the Italian capital.
The second issue was expecting him to qualify. Even though he can still compete at a high level, he’s no longer at his peak, and there was always a risk he wouldn’t make it through qualifying.
In the end, it’s the fans who lose out, which is unfortunate for everyone involved.
Looking back on Stan Wawrinka’s run to the Italian Open final
Q&A
Why did Stan Wawrinka withdraw from the Italian Open?
Stan Wawrinka withdrew from the Italian Open after winning his first qualifying match, but did not compete in his final qualifying match.
What was Stan Wawrinka's performance in the Italian Open qualifying?
Wawrinka won his first qualifying match against Stefano Travaglia in three sets before withdrawing.
Did Stan Wawrinka receive a wildcard for the Italian Open?
No, Stan Wawrinka did not receive a wildcard entry for the main draw of the Italian Open.
What are the implications of Wawrinka's withdrawal for the tournament?
Wawrinka's withdrawal may disappoint fans and impact the tournament's viewership, as he is a well-known player.