It is little wonder that 24-time major champion Djokovic – considered by many the greatest player of all-time – described Wawrinka as a “legend”.
“Stan’s had an incredible career. The competitor he is on court, talent, strength, power, precision – he had it all,” said the 39-year-old Serb, who practised with Wawrinka in Basel.
Wawrinka was good enough to win majors, but he wasn’t as consistently good as his illustrious rivals.
The ‘Big Three’ is often expanded to a ‘Big Four’ featuring Britain’s three-time major champion Andy Murray, who soared to world number one, won two Olympic singles gold medals and lifted the ATP Finals trophy.
Wawrinka recognises he was “really far” from creating a ‘Big Five’ – and the evidence underlines that.
Spending 267 weeks in the top 10, winning one Masters 1,000 tournament and claiming 15 other tour-level titles is well below Federer, Nadal, Djokovic and Murray, but it is also more than most players can dream of achieving.
The Grand Slam triumphs are what really set Wawrinka apart from most peers – which, coupled with his connectability and commendable attitude, is why ‘Stan the Man’ will be remembered for emerging as a great himself in a golden generation where others came up short.
“Of course there are tears. Of course tomorrow will feel like a hangover – not necessarily because of alcohol, more because of the sadness,” said Wawrinka, who famously liked to celebrate after matches.
“But at some point you have to close the book.”
