While the annals of men’s tennis in the past two decades have been dominated by the likes of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray, the Swiss maestro Stan Wawrinka has managed to carve a niche for himself. Despite not consistently matching the prowess of the ‘Fab Four’, Wawrinka’s career hit impressive peaks between 2014 and 2016. He not only triumphed at the Australian Open, Roland Garros, and the US Open but also clinched victory at the Monte Carlo Masters 1000, defeating Federer in the championship match.
Former French tennis star Fabrice Santoro recently shared his thoughts on Wawrinka’s career in an interview with ‘L’Equipe’. He was candid about Wawrinka’s superior career performance compared to French players like Tsonga, Monfils, Gasquet, and Simon.
Reflecting on the players’ early careers, Santoro admitted that he hadn’t anticipated Wawrinka’s eventual rise. “When you clinch three Grand Slam tournaments, it propels you into a different league,” Santoro remarked. He asserted that Wawrinka’s performance outshone them all, despite not necessarily being more talented than players like Jo and Gael. The decisive factor, according to Santoro, was Wawrinka’s superior career, a testament to his achievements.
Even though Wawrinka, fondly known as ‘Stanimal’, is currently far from his prime, his desire to stay in the game is evident. The three-time Grand Slam champion continues to compete passionately against younger opponents, harbouring dreams of a grand culmination to his illustrious career.
Meanwhile, Monfils, another formidable player, has kicked off 2025 on an impressive note, mirroring Wawrinka’s tenacity in the sport.
The narrative of men’s tennis may have been dominated by a few, but players like Wawrinka and Monfils have consistently proven their mettle. As Santoro suggested, the measure of a player’s greatness lies not just in their talent, but also in their career achievements. This sentiment encapsulates Wawrinka’s journey in the sport, a journey that continues to inspire, entertain, and surprise.