Djokovic: “As long as Nadal continues, he will be my biggest rival”

Novak Djokovic revealed, after to lose against Felix Auger-Aliassime on the last day of the Laver Cup, that some physical discomfort prevented him from performing 100% in the competition that pitted a team from Europe against another from the Rest of the World. “I have had problems with my right wrist for the last four or five days. I’ve been keeping it under control. The two games on Saturday probably had an effect. This time it was not easy. I couldn’t serve as fast or as accurately as I’d like. That has affected the whole game.” However, the Serbian did not want to make any more excuses: “I was serving extremely well. Of course I don’t take anything away from Felix’s performance. He was outstanding, with a great serve and very solid from the back of the court.

After the trophy delivery ceremony, Djokovic attended three Spanish media, SER, EFE and ASin the mixed zone. She did not dare to do it in Spanish. “You ask me in Spanish and I answer in English, please, today, tomorrow in Spanish,” she joked at the start. “It’s been an exciting few days. Particularly because Roger Federer was saying goodbye and I think we have all felt a very good energy for all that he has contributed to tennis. He is the founder of the Laver Cup, they are his ideas, and it is a fantastic way to say goodbye”, acknowledged the Serb, very much in favor of the Laver Cup.

“This competition is unique, because it allows us to get to know each other [los tenistas], have fun and, of course, be competitive when we are on the track. Because we are human beings and we have tremendous respect for everyone. It has made me very happy to be part of the Europe team, unfortunately we lost, but it has been a fantastic week that I will remember for a long time”, continued Djokovic, who understood that it was normal that Nadal was Federer’s partner in his last match.

Federer, Nadal and the rivalries

I played with him [con Federer] four years ago, in Vancouver, but I think it was better that he played with Nadal because their rivalry is special. Obviously my rivalry with them is also special, but it’s bigger between them, so I didn’t care. In fact, I enjoyed it a lot”, conceded the number 7 of the ATP, who praised Nadal again. “Who will be my biggest rival now that Federer is retired? Rafa is still there, and as long as he continues, he will be my biggest rival”.