Novak Djokovic's feelings clear on Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal relationship
Novak Djokovic has opened up about his rivalry with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, and admitted that he always felt closer to the Spaniard than his legendary Swiss counterpart
Novak Djokovic has shed light on his relationships with tennis legends Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. The 24-time Grand Slam-winner admitted he feels a stronger bond with the Spaniard as opposed to the Swiss icon.
Djokovic, who is the last man standing of the iconic Big Three, hinted at retirement following his exit from the French Open last week, suggesting it could have been his swansong at Roland Garros.
The 38-year-old, Nadal and Federer have defined an extraordinary period in tennis, with their rivalry elevating the sport to unprecedented heights. Despite the intense on-court battles, Djokovic maintains there was no bad blood between them as his time to call it quits looms.
Speaking to Slaven Bilic on Failure of Champions, Djokovic shared his philosophy, saying: "Just because someone is my biggest rival doesn't mean I wish them harm, hate them, or want to do anything else on the court to defeat them. We fought for the win, and the better player won."
He further disclosed his closer rapport with Nadal over Federer, adding: "I've never said a single bad word about them and never will. I looked up to them and still do, but I've always gotten along better with Nadal."
Reflecting on his rise to join the ranks of the Big Three, Djokovic further confessed to feeling like the underdog despite his impressive Grand Slam tally, reports the Express.
The Serb was the most fiery of the three, with Djokovic revealing his thoughts on why he felt the need to stand out from his well-established rivals.
"I acted and still felt like an unwanted child," Djokovic admitted. "I asked myself why that was. It hurt me. Then I thought the fans would accept me if I acted differently, but that wasn't the case either.
"I was never as loved as Federer and Nadal because I wasn't supposed to be there. I was the little guy, the third guy who came along and said: 'I'm going to be No 1.' Many people didn't like that.
"I am a man with many flaws, of course. Nevertheless, I have always tried to live with heart and good intentions and, ultimately, to be myself."
Although Djokovic's future in tennis remains uncertain, the legendary John McEnroe argues that as long as he continues to compete at the top level, the Serbian shouldn't retire just yet.
"It's impossible not to admire him," said seven-time Grand Slam winner McEnroe, as per Corriere della Sera. "I consider him the Lebron James of tennis.
"Due to his age, he struggles more and more to keep up with Carlos (Alcaraz) and Jannik's pace, but he remains a prodigy, someone science should study.
"Why should he retire if he continues to be so competitive? He is still the best competitor against the top two, and he has two major advantages: his experience and the ability to recover from tough moments."
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