Stanislas Wawrinka begins his French Open campaign next week, aiming to become the first player since Jim Courier in 1992 to claim the year’s opening two Grand Slam titles.

Wawrinka’s stunning victory at the Australian Open in January took him up to a career high of No.3 in the rankings. He confirmed his status as one of the favouites for the French Open title by winning the Monte Carlo Masters last month, scoring a rare victory over compatriot and occasional doubles partner Roger Federer in the final. However, in his pre-tournament press conference earlier today, Wawrinka was keen to play down his chances compared to those of Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

“I'm far behind Rafa and Novak,” the world No. 3 insisted. “They are really above the other players. When they are really on form, they are difficult to fight against. In terms of the favorites, I'll be with [Federer] just after them. But those two are outstanding, really exceptional.”

Wawrinka made the quarter-inals at Roland Garros last year, outlasting Richard Gasquet in a thrilling five-set fourth-round battle. But he was soundly outplayed by Nadal at that stage, looking like a man who didn’t really believe he was capable of victory. Afterwards, he told the media that he had “no chance” of defeating the Spaniard on this surface.

Since then, much has changed. Wawrinka did acknowledge that, if Nadal and Djokovic are at their best, they will most likely be contesting the final once again. Still, he believes he’s capable of upsetting the best on the biggest stages.

“Winning in Monte Carlo was really big,” he said. “After winning a Grand Slam, it was important for me to win a Masters 1000 for the first time. It was something really difficult, but I did it in Monaco, the first tournament on clay, against Roger, so it was even more satisfying. I know now that I can beat the top guys on clay.”

Wawrinka’s French Open preparations were hampered a little by early defeats in Madrid and Rome over the past couple of weeks to rising Austrian sensation Dominic Thiem and veteran Tommy Haas. But he says he feels he’s playing good tennis.

“I'm happy with the way I'm playing in practice, and I know for me that's the most important thing. I have (Guillermo) Garcia-Lopez in the first round, and that will be a good match for me because I will be able to see where I stand. He’s won a title this spring and you have to play well to beat him.”