Roland Garros 2018: Rafael Nadal is the favorite, but these 5 players can challenge him

3. Stan Wawrinka

“Stan the Man” is a former champion at Roland Garros and also last year’s finalist. Boasting of a single handed backhand as potent as that of Gustavo Kuerten or Richard Gasquet, Wawrinka is a multiple Grand Slam winner who is often overshadowed by his more illustrious compatriot.

Wawrinka's court coverage and overall base-line game are pretty solid. He demonstrated his ability on clay again last year when he beat Andy Murray in an incredible match.

Injuries have been a deterrent to him this year, but if he manages to stay fit and adds a bit more intensity to his game, there is no reason why he should not be able to match, if not better, last year’s feat.

Wawrinka has lived in Federer's shadow at times but that does not take away from the fact that he is a very good player himself. He has the experience of winning big matches too.

Career head to head against Nadal: 3-16

2018 win-loss record: 4-4

About the author

Subhadeep, an adept tennis journalist at Sportskeeda, has been writing about the sport for seven years. He is known for his exclusive match reviews and opinion pieces, utilizing his MBA degree to tackle them effectively with his problem-solving abilities.

Subhadeep lives and breathes tennis. He watches matches regularly and engages in social media platforms to stay on top of the latest happenings. As a writer, he brings the fan's perspective to his pieces, ensuring his readers enjoy an exceptional experience every time.

Growing up, he idolized Boris Becker, but he now firmly believes Novak Djokovic stands alone as the 'Greatest of all Time', especially considering the 24-time Grand Slam champion's incredible stats. One thing that still puzzles Subhadeep, however, is how Becker's Wimbledon tally might have reached five if not for Pete Sampras.

Speaking of the All England Club, the British Major holds a special place in his heart as he admires its blend of tradition and grass-court excellence. When not working for Sportskeeda, Subhadeep delves into the other "love of his life": football, and enjoys contributing his insights to different websites dedicated to the sport.

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Edited by Musab Abid