Just about every match of Stanislas Wawrinka’s Australian Open triumph was exciting to watch. The way he defeated Novak Djokovic in the quarter finals, to then back that performance up with wins over Tomas Berdych and Rafael Nadal, was very impressive.
As we look forward now into the long build-up before the French Open, does Wawrinka’s victory provide hope to the rest of the pack battling to win their own majors?
For the first time in a while the big four has been split up significantly, ranging from first to eighth. Stan’s victory in Melbourne has taken him to three on the world rankings and behind him lay Andy Murray, David Ferrer and Berdych.
With the eyes now on the top four and how they will respond, there still remains a number of challengers who (on their day), are capable of causing a tournament boil over.
Here is a look at some of the players that have not won a Grand Slam, yet could be on the verge of something special.
Tomas Berdych
After a very solid Summer in Australia, Berdych made it to the semi-finals before eventual champion Wawrinka edged him out in four tight sets.
World Ranking: six
Biggest weapon: serve
Biggest weakness: defensive game
Best opportunity to win a slam: Wimbledon
Best result in a Slam: final at Wimbledon 2010
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga
Tsonga was again an entertainer at the Open and was in terrific form during the first week in Melbourne.
Against Roger Federer in the fourth round however, he struggled to keep his consistency and energy levels up, losing in straight sets.
World ranking: 10
Biggest weapon: serve
Biggest weakness: lack of intensity at times
Best opportunity to win a Slam: French Open or Wimbledon
Best result in a Slam: final at the Australian Open 2008
David Ferrer
David Ferrer is a quality player who has extreme footwork and fitness. His defensive game is incredible and his consistency is applaued through the tennis world.
In the Australian Open, he went down the Berdych in the quarter finals.
World ranking: five
Biggest weapon: defensive game
Biggest weakness: no major weapons to hurt an opponent
Best opportunity to win a Slam: French Open
Best result in a Slam: final at Roland Garros in 2013
Richard Gasquet
A surprise pick in many respects, however Gasquet has the ability to cause problems to the big four.
In the Davis Cup tie against Australia, we saw the exquisite clay court game he possesses, which makes him a tricky opponent for anyone.
World ranking: nine
Biggest weapon: one-handed backhand
Biggest weakness: unforced error count.
Best opportunity to win a Slam: French Open
Best result in a Slam: semi-finals at Wimbledon and the US Open
Kei Nishikori
Nishikori is a talented player who is improving year by year. Even though it is hard seeing Nishikori winning a Grand Slam this year, with a solid game like his, he maintains a very good head-to-head record, keeping him in good stead.
Nishikori fell in the round of 16 to Nadal this year, in a very competitive match.
World ranking: 17
Biggest weapon: clean striking off both wings
Biggest weakness: quality of serve
Best opportunity to win a Slam: US Open
Best result in a Slam: quarter-finals at the Australian Open
There we have it, five players who have the potential to follow in the foot steps of Wawrinka.
However one must question the enormity of the task, especially seeing the next Grand Slam is the French Open, and Rafa will be raring to go after the dissapointment he faced in the final in Melbourne.
Steele
Guest
I think Wawrinka has been very good on hard courts for a couple of years now, on that logic I guess Berdych is a chance at Wimbledon this year. I can't see any of your others doing anything similar in the near future. Dimitrov is a massive talent and may suprise a few at how quickly he improves. He was very good at the Aus open and had an outstanding junior career.
Will Taylor
Roar Guru
I agree with you that Dimitrov is one to look out for but I believe for this year he does not have an opportunity to win a slam. Milos Raonic was next on my list (probably followed by Dimitrov) but I feel as if the top four are all quality returners, and they can dictate him from the baseline once they get into the point. For me if their was anyone who could take a slam off the big four this year, it is the players ive selected. But i respect your opinion and respect the fact that it would be very hard for any of these players to win a slam this year.
clipper
Guest
I would put Milos Raonic and Grigor Dimitrov ahead of your selected players for a chance of winning a slam, even if it may take a bit more time. Berdych has been in the top 10 for ages without threating to move into the top 4 and Tsonga could go all the way, but can't seem to nail down the consistancy for 2 weeks. The other three would be a huge surprise if they grabbed a slam.