"If we talk about pure results, Djokovic will be in front" - Stan Wawrinka gives his verdict on the raging GOAT debate, but with a small condition

Stan Wawrinka recently opined that, in the 'GOAT' debate, Novak Djokovic should get the nod ahead of the other two contenders, if only results and victories count. However, the Swiss star also added that it is better to wait until everyone hangs up their boots before making a judgment.

The 'GOAT' debate in men's tennis has been going on for quite some time now. With Roger Federer retiring from the sport after winning 20 Grand Slam titles, the battle to earn the coveted title is currently being fought between Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. Both are presently tied at 22 Grand Slam singles titles.

Speaking to a French outlet, RMC Sport, the three-time Grand Slam singles winner stated that it is not easy to make a judgment while the two players are still playing.

"Let's go to the GOAT. I have no problem saying things and saying what I think. It just depends on what you are looking for in this list. Already I think it's difficult to talk about athletes who are still playing. It’s always better to make a list when players have stopped and ended their careers," Wawrinka said.

He further added that based on "results" and "pure victories," the Serbian legend wins the contest. Wawrinka also remarked that it was "unlucky" to have all three of these players being active at the same time.

"Of course, if we talk about pure results and pure victories, Novak [Djokovic] will be in front of the other two. I have been convinced of this for years and in my opinion, this is what will happen. They are lucky and unlucky enough to have been in the same generation and at the same time and they have marked the history of tennis in a different way," Stan Wawrinka added.

"Novak is the best player today and has proven it in everything he has done for 20 years" - Stan Wawrinka on Djokovic

Djokovic and Wawrinka at 2015 French Open

Stan Wawrinka continued to sing the praises of Novak Djokovic. Speaking more about the Big 3 and their influence on the game, the Swiss star said that they are the "greatest players in the history of tennis."

He further talked about how the new generation can eventually break their dominance on the tour.

"Novak is the best player today and has proven it in everything he has done for 20 years. They exploded all the records between him, Rafa, and Roger. They took everything and ate everything. They are the greatest players in the history of tennis. Unfortunately, there have been several generations who have broken their teeth against them. I think the one that is coming now, little by little it will take over. It’s inevitable and it’s going to happen after a while. But we’re talking about the biggest players in the history of the game. We’re not just talking about big players," Stan Wawrinka added.