As Stan Wawrinka takes the court at the Athens Open, he carries with him more than just the determination to win his next match; he carries the weight of a remarkable tennis legacy. Recognized as one of the finest players to emerge from Switzerland, Wawrinka’s career boasts three Grand Slam titles—a testament to his resilience and skill during an era dominated by some of the sport’s greatest icons. Yet when asked to name the greatest tennis player of all time, Wawrinka does not hesitate. For him, the answer is clear: Novak Djokovic.
Wawrinka’s admiration for Djokovic is grounded in facts that few can argue against. Djokovic’s record-breaking career includes 24 Grand Slam titles, the most by any male player in the Open Era. His tenure at world number one is unparalleled, exceeding 430 weeks atop the ATP rankings—a feat that underscores his consistency and dominance over the past two decades. Djokovic’s ability to deliver year after year, across all surfaces and in the toughest of circumstances, sets him apart in the pantheon of tennis legends.
Reflecting on his own journey, Wawrinka acknowledges the fortune of competing alongside not just Djokovic, but also Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Andy Murray—four names that represent an extraordinary generation in men’s tennis. Federer, with his elegant style and precision; Nadal, famed for his relentless power and unrivaled dominance on clay; Murray, known for his tactical intelligence and tenacity—all helped define the era. Yet, in Wawrinka’s view, Djokovic’s achievements eclipse even these greats. “Novak did that more than anybody else,” Wawrinka said, praising Djokovic’s relentless pursuit of greatness.
Delving deeper into tennis history highlights how exceptional this era truly is. Federer’s ascent in the early 2000s revolutionized the sport with his effortless grace and unmatched shot-making, setting numerous records himself, including 20 Grand Slam titles—a mark later surpassed by Djokovic. Nadal’s ferocity, particularly on the clay courts of Roland Garros where he has won an astounding 14 French Open titles, introduced a new dimension of physicality and mental strength to the game. Meanwhile, Djokovic’s strategic approach, combining exceptional defensive skills with aggressive baseline play, allowed him to consistently disrupt the dominance of his rivals and claim record after record.
What makes Djokovic’s career even more remarkable is how he transcended the conventional challenges athletes face, battling back from injuries and dips in form to reclaim his position atop the sport multiple times. His mental toughness, exemplified in countless tense matches, is often cited as one of his defining traits. Wawrinka, himself known for his powerful backhand and fortitude, respects this quality deeply.
Looking ahead, Wawrinka sees a changing landscape in men’s tennis with the emergence of new talent. Players like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are already making waves, promising to inject fresh energy and competition into the game. While Wawrinka jokes about not choosing Federer as the GOAT in favor of Djokovic, he acknowledges that the current generation is witnessing an ongoing transformation. The torch is gradually passing to these younger contenders who will write the next chapters of tennis history.
Yet despite the looming future, Wawrinka remains a compelling figure in the sport’s present. As he prepares to face Lorenzo Musetti in Athens, he’s not merely focused on the scoreboard; he’s inspiring the next generation of tennis enthusiasts. His legacy—in Switzerland and globally—is secure, marked by his unwavering competitive spirit and memorable moments on the court, such as his stunning victory over Djokovic in the 2015 French Open final, where he claimed his second Grand Slam.
Wawrinka’s journey is also a reminder of the rich tradition out of which modern tennis has grown. Switzerland’s place in tennis history was once modest, but Federer and Wawrinka elevated it to global prominence, each with their unique styles and successes. The country’s rise parallels the sport’s broader evolution through innovation, athleticism, and rivalries that captivate fans worldwide.
Ultimately, as the tennis adage goes, “the serve is only as good as the return,” and Wawrinka has proven time and again that he can not only withstand the fiercest opponents but also respond with power, precision, and poise. His acknowledgment of Djokovic’s greatness doesn’t diminish his own achievements; rather, it highlights the brilliance of an era where exceptional talents have pushed each other to extraordinary heights. As Wawrinka continues to compete, his story intertwines with tennis history—a testament to passion, perseverance, and respect for the sport’s finest champions.