The ‘big three’ of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic was once named the ‘big four’, with Britain’s Andy Murray challenging the trio of legends for a number of years at the biggest events in men’s tennis.
From 2008 to 2017, Murray won three Grand Slam titles, while also finishing as the runner-up on eight separate occasions.
The Scot’s tally of three majors was identical to that of Stan Wawrinka, but most fans never grouped the Swiss in with the other four to dub a ‘big five’.
Why do you think Stan Wawrinka was never considered to be on the same level as Andy Murray?
Wawrinka won the 2014 Australian Open, the 2015 French Open and the 2017 US Open, beating each of Federer, Nadal and Djokovic across those three campaigns.
He triumphed over Djokovic in the championship match at Flushing Meadows, and the Serb had high praise for him after their bout.
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In his post-match press conference after losing the 2017 US Open final, Djokovic was asked if the big four is now a big five with Wawrinka.
He replied: “Well, I mean, he deserves to be in the mix, no doubt about it. Stan won three Grand Slams now and three different ones; Olympic medal.
“Been around for so many years, and he plays best in the big matches. I mean, he definitely deserves to be mentioned in the mix of top players.”
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Wawrinka had a difficult path to his third major title at the 2017 US Open, with four of his matches going four or more sets.
After winning his opening two rounds, Wawrinka had a gruelling five-set clash with Dan Evans that lasted over four hours.
He then had four-set bouts with Illya Marchenko, Juan Martin del Potro and Kei Nishikori before facing Djokovic in the final.
Wawrinka came back from a set down to battle past Djokovic, winning 6-7, 6-4, 7-5, 6-3.
Novak Djokovic’s analysis of Stan Wawrinka’s game
Asked what makes Wawrinka so hard to beat, Djokovic said: “Well, he just steps in. He loves to play in the big matches.
“He comes up with his best game. He’s so solid from both corners. He’s got a good slice and amazing one-handed backhand, all corners. Big serve. Moves well.
“He’s a very complete player. Sometimes if he feels right he doesn’t miss much and makes a lot of winners and it’s hard to play him. That’s what happened today. He hits a very heavy ball, especially from the backhand corner.
“Forehand is very flat. You know, he goes for his shots from the forehand side. Backhand, you know, great chip, great slice. He uses that when he’s defending and then he comes up, you know, and can get you off the court with a backhand crosscourt.
“That’s probably one of his best shots in the game. Physically he’s very strong, so he can endure a lot.”
Djokovic leads Wawrinka 21-6 in their head-to-head, with their last meeting played at the 2023 Wimbledon Championships.
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