US Open champion Stan Wawrinka insists he is still a long way off joining the game's 'big four' despite clinching his third grand slam title.
Wawrinka overcame world No.1 Novak Djokovic in four thrilling sets in New York to add another major title to those he won at the Australian Open in 2014 and the French Open last year.
The 31-year-old's success draws him level with Andy Murray on three grand slam victories but both remain far behind Djokovic's 12, Rafael Nadal's 14 and Roger Federer's all-time best 17.
Murray is also superior in terms of career titles, having won 39 to Wawrinka's 15, while the Scot leads him 11-3 on major finals reached.
Djokovic said after his defeat that Wawrinka, ranked third in the world, "deserves to be in the mix" with tennis' heralded quartet, but the Swiss disagrees.
"The big four, I'm really far from them," Wawrinka said.
"Just look at the tournaments they won, how many years they have been there.
"If you look, yes, I have three grand slams. How many Masters 1000 wins has Murray? They have been there since ten years.
"They have not only been winning, but being in semi-final, final every time. That's why I'm not there. I don't want to be there.
"For me, there is no question about that. But I'm trying the best I can with my career. I'm really, really happy with what I'm doing so far.
"I'm proud of myself by winning three grand slams. This is something I never expect and dream about it but I have them and I'm happy to take the trophy back home."
Djokovic, blighted by physical problems throughout the US Open, was not at his brilliant best in Arthur Ashe Stadium but he was also blown away by a powerful Wawrinka display.
"At the beginning I told my coach Magnus (Norman) before the match I had a feeling," Wawrinka said.
"I said I had a feeling but this time I have even more confidence to beat him. I feel better than him."
Wawrinka now needs one Wimbledon title to become only the ninth man in history to win all four grand slams. He would join Djokovic, Nadal, Federer, Andre Agassi, Rod Laver, Roy Emerson, Don Budge and Fred Perry.
PA
