\n<\/p>\n
It is little wonder that 24-time major champion Djokovic – considered by many the greatest player of all-time – described Wawrinka as a “legend”.<\/p>\n
“Stan’s had an incredible career. The competitor he is on court, talent, strength, power, precision – he had it all,” said the 39-year-old Serb, who practised with Wawrinka in Basel.<\/p>\n
Wawrinka was good enough to win majors, but he wasn’t as consistently good as his illustrious rivals.<\/p>\n
The ‘Big Three’ is often expanded to a ‘Big Four’ featuring Britain’s three-time major champion Andy Murray, who soared to world number one, won two Olympic singles gold medals and lifted the ATP Finals trophy.<\/p>\n
Wawrinka recognises he was “really far” from creating a ‘Big Five’ – and the evidence underlines that.<\/p>\n
Spending 267 weeks in the top 10, winning one Masters 1,000 tournament and claiming 15 other tour-level titles is well below Federer, Nadal, Djokovic and Murray, but it is also more than most players can dream of achieving.<\/p>\n
The Grand Slam triumphs are what really set Wawrinka apart from most peers – which, coupled with his connectability and commendable attitude, is why ‘Stan the Man’ will be remembered for emerging as a great himself in a golden generation where others came up short.<\/p>\n
“Of course there are tears. Of course tomorrow will feel like a hangover \u2013 not necessarily because of alcohol, more because of the sadness,” said Wawrinka, who famously liked to celebrate after matches.<\/a><\/p>\n “But at some point you have to close the book.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n