'I was Federer, Nadal, Djokovic and Murray's biggest threat – it's clear who the best was' - The Mirror

The Big Four of tennis achieved unprecedented dominance in the sport but one player reigned above all, according to a former rival

Tennis great Stan Wawrinka revealed who he believes was the toughest player he encountered during his career. The 24-year professional is set to retire at the end of the 2026 season in what has been a glittering tenure for the Swiss sensation.

With 16 ATP Tour-level singles titles, including Grand Slam titles at the Australian Open, French Open and US Open, the 40-year-old has played the best and beaten them to win tennis' biggest prizes.

Wawrinka has enjoyed plenty of battles against the sport's 'Big Three' of Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, as well as Andy Murray. Despite being a compatriot and Davis Cup team-mate of Federer, Wawrinka named Nadal as his most difficult rival, specifically when the pair met on the Spaniard's favoured clay court.

Discussing his decision on the Nothing Major podcast last year, he said: "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."

Wawrinka's maiden major in Melbourne saw him defeat Nadal in the 2014 final, while his titles at Roland Garros and Flushing Meadows came by beating Djokovic in both finals within four sets.

Those two victories are part of just six triumphs he managed against the Serbian icon throughout his career, while losing a whopping 21 times to the 38-year-old - just two defeats less than he endured against Federer.

Despite the unflattering head-to-head record he possesses against Djokovic, he expressed the joy he had in playing the 24-time Grand Slam champion. He explained: "I think I've lost more than 20 times to Novak, but he's the one I felt happy to play against.

"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."

Murray is sometimes mentioned as part of tennis' 'Big Four' era, not only because of his three Grand Slam triumphs and two Olympic golds, but the fact he reached 11 major finals in his illustrious career.

While Wawrinka and Murray are tied when it comes to majors, the Swiss admitted he has no place being included in conversations with the Scotsman. "It bothered me when people talked about the 'Big Five' or something similar," he admitted.

"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."