Grand Slam silverware bears Big 4 fingerprints.
The Big 4—Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray—have combined to claim 50 of the last 55 Grand Slam titles. The world's top three have claimed a combined 51 Grand Slam titles.
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Only three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka, 2009 US Open champ Juan Martin del Potro and 2014 US Open title holder Marin Cilic have broken the Big 4 hold on majors in a streak of sustained dominance that spans 14 years.
So what's the essential element to breaking through and winning a major in the age of the Big 4?
Federer cites one key quality: the total package.
The second-ranked Swiss says because he, world No. 1 Rafael Nadal and third-ranked Novak Djokovic each play different styles, Slam contenders must possess versatility and strength to conquer three disparate game styles.
"Obviously the top is strong... pick me, Rafa, Novak, I just look at how we play. We play very different," Federer told the media at Laver Cup in Chicago. "So for anybody to come through all three guys in one tournament and end up winning the tournament, I don't know if it's ever happened. And obviously the draw also maybe doesn't allow it to happen, but it's just very hard, you know.
"You have to have so many different qualities in your game. You need to be able to serve well, return well. You have to have a transition game. You need to be able to finish at the net. You need to be physically strong, mentally strong. And I think our three playing styles challenge all those things. And that may be over a weekend, over a week, whatever it may be. It's just very hard, you know, I think for a lot of guys to break through and we have made it difficult. Then you add someone like Stan in the mix who comes in with the power or A team or a Sascha [Zverev] or a Murray obviously who has unbelievable retrieving potential and is also a great champion, and Cilic who can serve unbelievable."
The 37-year-old Swiss suggests contenders who lack the complete game have little shot to master a major in this era of iconic champions.
"And then you realize actually maybe how difficult it is to break through, so you need to have the full package or you will just not make it," Federer said. "I know how hard it is to win slams. Everybody knows it. You have to stay super, super focused for a long period of time and, you know, mentally not think too far ahead. You have to go point-by-point mentality basically, which is crazy, but that's how you are successful on the tennis tour."
Photo credit: Christopher Levy