Stan Wawrinka recently had an interview with the Argentine newspaper Olé, prior to the start of the ATP tournament in Buenos Aires. In the match that followed, the three-time Grand Slam champion emerged victorious in three sets. The Swiss player was questioned about the disparities he encounters when facing the formidable trio of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic, all of whom he has defeated on multiple occasions.
According to Wawrinka, each of the Big 3 possesses a distinct playing style. He emphasized that matches against Nadal, who is left-handed, are particularly grueling both physically and mentally. Federer, on the other hand, is known for his agility and speed on the court, which can be quite unsettling for his opponents. As for Djokovic, Wawrinka described him as the epitome of a perfect player.
Despite having had numerous opportunities to triumph over his esteemed rivals, Wawrinka admitted to losing to all three of them on multiple occasions. Nevertheless, he considers it a privilege to compete against these tennis legends, who are widely regarded as the greatest in the history of the sport. Even in defeat, Wawrinka views each match against them as a significant challenge, making it a special experience for him.
At 38 years old, Wawrinka is beginning to feel the effects of age and the emergence of a new generation of talented athletes. However, he remains determined and refuses to give up. After a disappointing debut at the Australian Open, the Swiss player made an unconventional decision to continue his season by returning to South America to compete on clay courts, starting with the tournament in Buenos Aires, where he had not participated since 2013.
Wawrinka’s career on the ATP Tour has been marked by three Grand Slam titles, a gold medal at the 2008 Olympic Games, and a series of unforgettable battles against the formidable trio. Throughout his more than 20-year professional career, the Lausanne native has had to push himself to the limit in order to excel and achieve significant milestones. The dominance of Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic has undoubtedly made it challenging for other players to make their mark, but Wawrinka’s perseverance and determination have allowed him to experience moments of satisfaction over the years.
According to the Source tennisworldusa.org