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Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
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."
Khaleej Times
30-01-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Raducanu gets wildcard for Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open
Grand Slam-winner Emma Raducanu will compete at this year's Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open having been awarded the final wildcard spot for the qualifiers, with fans able to watch the British star in action on the opening day of the tournament free of charge. The WTA 500 event returns to the International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City, for its third edition, running from February 1-8, as a host of the world's best female players descend on the UAE capital for what promises to be a thrilling tournament. A star-studded line-up has now been strengthened by the addition of Raducanu, 22, who returns to Abu Dhabi for the second consecutive year. The highlight of Raducanu's career to date was undoubtedly her sensational US Open triumph in 2021 when, at the age of 18 and having entered the tournament as a qualifier, she secured the title without dropping a single set. Having beaten the likes of Belinda Bencic and Maria Sakkari on her way to the final, she claimed the trophy following a 6-4, 6-3 win over Canada's Leylah Fernandez, a player she could potentially face in Abu Dhabi. A popular player with fans in the Middle East, Raducanu received fantastic support at last year's Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, where she produced a brilliant display to overcome Marie Bouzkova in the Round of 32, before exiting at the hands of Ons Jabeur in the last 16. Earlier this week, Raducanu was beaten by Cristina Bucsa at the Singapore Open, while she also competed at the recent Australian Open, losing to five-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek in the third round after beating Ekaterina Alexandrova and Amanda Anisimova, who will both be lining up in Abu Dhabi. Raducanu joins a brilliant player line-up in the capital, which includes current champion Elena Rybakina, three-time Grand Slam finalist Ons Jabeur, Australian Open semi-finalist Paula Badosa, winner of the inaugural Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open Belinda Bencic, and last year's beaten finalist Daria Kasatkina. Tickets for the opening weekend are free of charge, and can be purchased via Those fans attending can look forward to a Mubadala Tennis Village which, at 15,000 square metres, is double the size of previous years. Made up of five separate districts, the Village features a whole host of tennis and sports-themed activations, along with a huge selection of F&B vendors, catering to all tastes. Live music, on Saturday, will be provided by Carl Lafrenais, who has shared a stage with the likes of Bon Jovi and Sting, and the FTM Band, while talented duo Gemma & JK will be performing on Sunday, making the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open the perfect day out. As well as having the opportunity to observe Raducanu in action at close quarters, spectators attending on Saturday will also be able to watch the tournament draw take place from approximately 4.30pm in the Mubadala Tennis Village.
