“They are in a Different Category” – Stan Wawrinka Praises Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic
Follow Us
Former World No.3 Stan Wawrinka is one of the few players on the tour to defeat Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic multiple times in his career. He was capable of giving a hard time to the ‘Big 3’ at his prime. The Swiss star knows what it takes to beat them. Hence, he explained the difficulties in facing the three Goliaths of the sport.
Wawrinka is the last man to win a Grand Slam title outside of the ‘Big 3’. Moreover, he is the only player after Roger Federer to defeat Nadal and Djokovic in a Grand Slam final. However, he admitted that beating them multiple times does not make him similar to them. Moreover, the 3-time Grand Slam winner dropped huge praise for Djokovic and Nadal.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Novak is the one in the Big Three that I like to play the most – Stan Wawrinka
Wawrinka explained that Nadal’s serve is very underrated and he finds it difficult to return those serves. Furthermore, the heavy spin on it makes it further difficult to return on the clay. Wawrinka has lost 8 of their 9 encounters on the clay court with all those defeats coming in straight sets
“I have difficulties to return the ball well because of the spin he hits and the lefty serve. He doesn’t have the best service, but he makes it difficult for me and always puts me directly under pressure. On clay, it’s impossible. Forget it,” Wawrinka said in the Instagram live with Chris Evert.
Trending
Miami Open 2024: Alexander Zverev vs Fabian Marozsan; Preview, Head-to-Head, and Prediction
March 28, 2024 08:32 AM EDT
What Does Danielle Collins’ Boyfriend Do? Everything to Know about Their Lowkey Relationship
February 15, 2024 11:39 AM EST
Miami Open: Victoria Azarenka vs Elena Rybakina; Preview, Head-to-Head, Prediction
March 28, 2024 11:07 AM EDT
Miami Open: Danielle Collins vs Ekaterina Alexandrova; Preview, Head-to-Head, Prediction
March 28, 2024 09:03 AM EDT
‘We Know It’s Muchova’ – Rebel Wilson’s Situation-Ship Bombshell With Female Tennis Star Keeps Fans Guessing
March 28, 2024 08:44 AM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“Novak is the one in the Big Three that I like to play the most, even if I’ve lost to him many times. I play the best against him and have been lucky to peak against him in Grand Slams. I feel like I can keep my power with him for three, four, or five hours. Those three times I beat him, I kept playing my game,” he added.
“But even after beating Rafa or Novak, they’re still way better than me. They’re still in a different category than me. I beat them one time here or there, but I know it’s a different league,” Wawrinka concluded.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Stan Wawrinka Picks the Toughest Player to Beat at Prime Amongst ‘Big 3’
Stan might have managed to defeat the ‘Big 3’ during his prime. However, he lacks the consistency which Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic have from the past decade and a half. Hence, the trio is certainly in a different league than Wawrinka.