Stan Wawrinka didn’t hesitate to crown Rafael Nadal as his toughest opponent, particularly on clay courts. The Spanish maestro, widely regarded as the King of Clay, has been a nightmare for many players, including Wawrinka, who managed just three wins in their 22 encounters.
“Well, they’re all so tough,” Wawrinka reflected. “But I think Rafa on clay at the French Open was the toughest to face. It’s especially difficult—high on the backhand, nonstop. You feel like he’s coming at you with every single ball. You don’t see any option to hit a winner or put him out of the court.”
Wawrinka’s struggles against Nadal are well-documented, with one of the most one-sided losses coming in the 2017 French Open final. Nadal swept Wawrinka 6-2, 6-3, 6-1, not dropping a single set throughout the tournament en route to his 10th Roland Garros title. Despite the lopsided record, Wawrinka famously bested Nadal in the 2014 Australian Open final, securing his first Grand Slam title and proving his mettle on the biggest stage.
The Favorite Opponent: Novak Djokovic
While Nadal posed the toughest challenge, Novak Djokovic turned out to be Wawrinka’s favorite opponent among the Big Four. Despite their lopsided head-to-head record—Djokovic leads 21-6—Wawrinka finds immense satisfaction in playing against the Serbian legend.
“It depends on how you’re going to take my answer,” Wawrinka explained. “I think I lost more than 20 times to Novak, but he’s the one I was feeling happy to play against. Even though I lost in the 2014 ATP London final 6-0, 6-3, I enjoyed playing against him. He hits the ball so cleanly. You feel like, even if he destroys you, you’re kind of happy because you played the perfect tennis player in front of you.”
One of Wawrinka’s most significant victories against Djokovic came at the 2019 US Open, where he triumphed in the round of 16. However, their last meeting, at Wimbledon 2023, saw Djokovic cruise to a straight-sets victory.
Mixed Fortunes Against Federer and Murray
As a compatriot of Roger Federer, Wawrinka has had a close and challenging rivalry with the Swiss maestro, but it hasn’t been a favorable one for him. Federer has dominated their encounters, winning 20 out of their 23 matches. Meanwhile, Wawrinka has had more success against Andy Murray, with a competitive head-to-head record of 10-13. Notably, he won their last two matches, showcasing his ability to hold his own against the British star.
Where Is Wawrinka Now?
At 39 years old, Stan Wawrinka remains active on the ATP Tour, currently ranked No. 154 in the world. His next challenge awaits at the Open Occitanie in Montpellier, France, where he’ll look to add more chapters to his illustrious career.
The Legacy of Wawrinka vs. the Big Four
Wawrinka’s battles against the Big Four have given tennis fans some unforgettable moments. Whether it’s his underdog victory against Nadal in Melbourne, his gritty wins over Djokovic, or the camaraderie and competition with Federer and Murray, Wawrinka’s journey is a testament to his resilience and love for the game.
As tennis continues to evolve, the stories of Wawrinka and the Big Four remain a cherished part of the sport’s history, inspiring fans and players alike.
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