Stan Wawrinka’s Rare Feat in Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic’s Era of Grand Slam Dominance

Tennis for long has been a sport dominated by Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic, commonly referred to as the ‘Big 3.’ Over the past two decades, these three have been the favorites for every tournament and every Grand Slam. Since 2003, out of the 76 Grand Slam events played, 61 titles have been shared between these 3 players. 

The Grand Slam tally of these players stands at Rafael Nadal with 21 titles, and Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic tied at 20 titles each. In this unprecedented era of dominance, Stan Wawrinka has achieved a unique feat. Since 2006, one of the three has won the Australian Open and Roland Garros ever time, except one title for each event. It was Stan Wawrinka who has won both of those titles.  

Wawrinka at the Australian Open and the Roland Garros

Australian Open has been dominated by Novak Djokovic, who has a record 9 titles Down Under. Since 2006, the first Grand Slam of the year has slipped out of the hands of the Big 3 just once. In 2014, Stan Wawrinka beat Rafael Nadal in 4 sets to clinch the title. Apart from 2014, since 2006, the ‘Happy Slam’ has been won by Roger Federer (5 times), Novak Djokovic (9 times) and Rafael Nadal (2 times). 

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On the other hand, Roland Garros, has seen just one champion apart from the Big 3. Yet again, it was Wawrinka who defeated Novak Djokovic in 4 sets to clinch the title in 2015. Rafael Nadal leads the way with 13 trophies (one of which came in 2005), followed by Novak Djokovic at 2, and Roger Federer at 1. 

The ‘Big 3’ dominance – Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic

Roger Federer started the dominance of the Big 3 when he won the 2003 Wimbledon. 19 years later, Federer stands as one of the most successful players in the history of tennis with 20 Grand Slam titles and 8 Wimbledon wins. 

Rafael Nadal became a part of the Big 3 dominance in 2005, when he won his first Grand Slam title at Roland Garros. 17 years later, Nadal today has 21 Grand Slam titles to his name, making him the player with the maximum number of Grand Slam titles. 

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Novak Djokovic was the last to join the dominance in 2008, when he won the Australian Open. However, even after being the last to join, he today holds the top position in most number of weeks at World No. 1. He has 20 Grand Slam titles to his name, 9 of which are Australian Opens.