Melbourne: Stanislas Wawrinka has emerged from the shadow of Roger Federer to claim his own niche in the men’s tennis order by reaching the Grand Slam summit at the Australian Open.

Wawrinka, who has risen in the rankings from 17 at year-end 2012 to at least five next week, is cautious yet confident of facing World No 1 Rafael Nadal next-up: “He (Nadal) is the No 1, the best player.