Stanislas Wawrinka emerges from the shadows to claim his rightful place at the helm of tennis

Stanislas Wawrinka

The first half of 2014 most certainly belongs to Stan Wawrinka taking into account his meteoric rise to the top in an era dominated by the ‘Big Four’ of men’s tennis. Between themselves, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray have won 19 of the last 20 Grand Slams and they have pretty much reduced the rest of the contenders to mere bystanders. And no one knows this better than Wawrinka, who has spent a major part of his career being sidelined by his more successful countryman, Federer.

Bestowed with one of the best single-handed backhands on the tour, Stan has, in the recent years added powerful weapons to his arsenal to evolve into an all-round player. With an effective forehand and a powerful serve that helps him come to the net more often, he has strengthened his chances against the top players in the draw.

Despite turning pro as early as 2002, Stan tasted little success until 2010, with just one career title to his name up to that point. Bouts of impressive performances helped him break into the top 10 in 2008 but the Swiss lacked the consistency and the ability to play the big points to cause any serious threat in the Grand Slams.

Wawrinka’s resurgence in 2011 was very impressive. This writer had interviewed him in late 2011 right before the Chennai Open, and Wawrinka spoke at length of his goal to break into the top echelon of the game in 2012 and the long hours of preparation that he had put in in Lausanne. All of that work and determination seems to finally be paying off handsomely.

It goes without saying that the Swiss must be very pleased with his rise in the rankings to No. 3 in the world since claiming the Australian Open. He was in tremendous form at the start of this year, winning the Chennai Open for the second time and defeating both the top seeds Rafa and Djokovic en route to the title. The 2014 Australian Open was not only his first Grand Slam title but it also helped him break the psychological barrier of beating the top players on the tour.

Considering the tremendous competition in men’s tennis today, it’s very important for dark horses such as Wawrinka to make the most of the opportunities that come their way. And the Swiss has done just that. With his fine form and impressive skills on clay, he will most certainly look to extend his triumphant run to Roland Garros.

It remains to be seen if the Swiss can indeed stand tall against the formidable Rafael Nadal, who has pretty much regarded the French Open as his backyard for a good part of the last decade. But if he does, it will make for a spectacle worth remembering.