Peak level of play: Stan Wawrinka

[Marcos99]

Do you consider Stan's peak level of play is one of the best ever? Watching him in that FO final really give me that impression.

Before the Final I thought that Nole was going to win this title and the hardest Wawrinka could push is to take it to fifth set. But I was wrong, he just blew peak Nole off the court with his powerhouse and controlled the rally. Congrats Stan again for the FO title!

 

[heninfan99]

It was almost like Safin 2001 US Open. Not quite but almost. Cilic hit that level in his final at the US Open.

Hitting hard as possible and painting the lines. That Safin final vs. Pete is the highest level I've ever seen.

 

[Carsomyr]

No. Honestly, I am taking absolutely nothing away from Stan - his level of play was incredibly high and a treat to watch...

...But if he plays that way against peak Fed, peak Nadal, and peak Djokovic 10 times each, he'll win two or three times, maybe four against Djokovic who seems to struggle more than the other two against his game.

At their best, even if they're getting out-slugged, they have more options and more ways of frustrating him. Today was just a day where Djokovic didn't have answers.

 

[Mac33]

Watch Philipoussis beat Sampras at the AO.

Hardest I've ever seen anyone hit a tennis ball while getting it in the court!

Did not see Wawrinka win the final but his ground strokes have always been pleasing on the eye with more power than Murray or Djokovic.

 

[jiddy-p]

I tried tracking down some Sampras Safin 2001 highlights and there's nothing watchable. But I stumbled on this gem!

Sampras vs. Safin 2009! They played an exhibition of some kind in L.A. It's a really fun watch and Sampras' level is still insane. His SV skills are still first rate.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Urh5Fs3zcCw

 

[Dilettante]

I'd say Sugar Ray Robinson.

 

[Dilettante]

Wawrinka > everyone

Katy Perry > Wawrinka