'I've faced Rafa Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic – this is who the toughest was'

Tennis star Stan Wawrinka has weighed in on who he believes is the greatest player of the modern era. With a remarkable career spanning over two decades, the 39-year-old Swiss pro has tangled with each of Rafael Nadal , Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic . While he's now nearing retirement, Wawrinka was world No.

3 and claimed three Grand Slam titles at his peak. He beat Nadal in the 2014 Australian Open final before toppling Djokovic to claim both the 2015 French Open and 2016 US Open crowns. Despite sharing nationality with Federer, Wawrinka admits that it's the Spaniard who stood out as the most challenging adversary, particularly on the clay courts where he would more than often reign supreme.



Speaking on the Nothing Major podcast, he explained: "Well, they have all been so tough, but I think Rafa at the French Open was particularly challenging. I played him in the final in 2017 and I was constantly watching the clock, hoping to reach the one-hour mark before he won. "It's especially tough with his high backhand shots coming at you nonstop.

You feel like every single ball is coming at you, and you don't see any option to hit a winner or push him out of the court." As for his favorite opponent, Wawrinka selected Djokovic. "I think I've lost more than 20 times to Novak, but he's the one I felt happy to play against," he continued.

"Even when I lost in the 2014 ATP Finals 6-0, 6-3, I enjoyed playing him. He has such a nice, clean stoke. Even if he destroys you, you're kind of happy because you're looking at the perfect tennis player in front of you.

" Wawrinka briefly found himself mentioned alongside Andy Murray among tennis' top players in the mid-2010s. However, he believes that comparison was unwarranted, despite his three major victories. "It bothered me when people talked about the 'Big Five' or something similar," he added.

"Or when people equated me with Murray just because I also won three Grand Slam tournaments. I'm miles away from all four of them. That's a lack of respect for them and especially for Murray.

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