A dream season is once again on track for Stanislas Wawrinka after his win at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Monte Carlo. His victory over compatriot Roger Federer (only his second in 15 career matches) establishes him as a true contender for the second major of the season, the French Open.

But perhaps more importantly, it strengthens Wawrinka's foothold in the ATP World Tour rankings, and lends weight to the notion that there is now a “Fantastic 5” in the men's game.

For years now, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Federer and Andy Murray have dominated. From the 2010 U. S. Open until this year's Australian Open, every major was won by a member of the “Big 4.” The streak ended with Wawrinka's surprising victory over Nadal in the Australian Open final. On his way to the title, Wawrinka also had defeated Djokovic and Tomas Berdych, perennial members of the top 10.

The long-time Swiss No. 2 claimed the top spot in his nation and ascended to a career-high No. 3 world ranking after that feat.  With his start to the season, having also won in Chennai to kick off his 2014 campaign, and strong form last year, Wawrinka seemed to have a shot to maintain such a lofty position.

However, when he returned to action from a post-Australian Open break, it began to look like that might not be the case.  Wawrinka fell before the quarterfinals at the ATP Masters 1000 events in Indian Wells and Miami. And, in what might be the biggest blip on his season to date, he lost the opening rubber to Andrey Golubev in a Davis Cup quarterfinal matchup against Kazakhstan—on home soil, to boot.

There are a number of players throughout the game’s history who have done few things of any consequence after finally breaking through to win their first major. It wouldn’t have been too far-fetched to lump Wawrinka in with those also-rans, despite his talent.

The Monte Carlo title firmly puts to rest that notion. Defeating a resurgent Federer, whose shadow he’s toiled in for years, proves that Wawrinka’s recent run of good form and his No. 3 ranking aren’t flukes. While his body of work might not be as impressive as the other players in the top four, or Murray—who is currently at No. 8—the Swiss has shown he’s ready for any challenges.

Wawrinka’s ability to sustain his rise with his first Masters 1000 crown in Monte Carlo ensures that there is now a “Fantastic 5” on the ATP World Tour.