Novak Djokovic admits he ‘didn’t get along so well’ with Nadal and Federer
Novak Djokovic reiterates his previous views on his relationships with Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, saying he has “the utmost respect” for his rivals but that they are “not friends.” “No,” he admitted.
Djokovic continued his success this year, winning three major titles and overtaking Nadal at the top of the all-time list. Serbian Djokovic spoke about his love for making history.
“I love winning, there’s no doubt about that. Records give me inspiration and motivation,” Djokovic said. “I mean, it’s completely normal for me.
“I like being honest, being authentic, and expressing how I feel.” I like to be honest with myself and others, and communicate my goals and intentions. do my best. It’s that simple. ”
🏆🙏🏼2️⃣4️⃣💜💛 #USOpen pic.twitter.com/HqWvI14E1c
– Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) 11. September 2023
This is the first year since 2005, when Djokovic was just 18, that he did not face Nadal or Federer, and the world No. 1 reflected on his relationship with his great rivals.
Djokovic told Jon Wertheim in 60 minutes, “I’ve always had the utmost respect, at least from my side,” and was asked if he wanted to continue his friendship with Nadal and Federer. .
“I want that. I really want it,” the 24-time Grand Slam champion insisted. “Personally, I’d love to try it. I mean, obviously (laughter), I know we haven’t been that great off the court throughout our careers.”
The 36-year-old continued: “And we’re not friends, because we’re rivals, as competitors, we get very close to each other and it’s hard to give insight into our own lives. Feel it, because it’s difficult, because it can be used against you.
“But we’ve shared the stage for years, and I think, at least from my side, I’ve always had the utmost respect for them. Well, someday the curtains will fall. I hope that when it’s a little more closed, I’ll be able to sit and think about it. That would be amazing.”
Djokovic and Nadal have not faced each other this year due to the Spaniard’s injury issues, but their rivalry could resume in 2024 when Nadal returns at the Australian Open.
🎧👀💪🏻😉 pic.twitter.com/iH7NvsQGMT
– Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) 1. December 2023
In the baseline…
It’s completely understandable that such a strong rivalry doesn’t always make the best of friends, especially when Djokovic and Nadal are still active players. But after so many battles over the years, it’s clear that all of the Big Three have the utmost respect for each other. It will be very interesting to see if Djokovic and Nadal play more matches next year, especially since Nadal will be unseeded for the first time since 2005 and could face the world No. 1 in the first round of the Australian Open.
Read more – Tennis Top 5: Countries with the most Grand Slam women’s singles titles
Novak Djokovic vs Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer
Djokovic has faced Nadal and Federer a total of 109 times and has a winning record in both head-to-heads:
Head-to-head
Novak Djokovic vs Rafael Nadal: 30-29
Novak Djokovic vs Roger Federer: 27-23
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