The sport has already turned great rivals into good friends. While Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal get along very well after numerous tough duels, things often seem different with Novak Djokovic.
In an interview with the Spanish sports newspaper “Marca”, the record Grand Slam champion now explains why this is the case.
«It’s true that we can’t be friends, because with friends you talk about everything. The good, the bad, its secrets,” says the Serb. “I don’t think you feel very comfortable with your rivals if you reveal all this.”
But it doesn’t always have to be like this – “In the last 15 years I’ve seen more of Nadal and Federer than my parents. This means that they have been a very important part of my life and career. I have incredible respect for them and for the rivalry we’ve had for so long. It’s been a long journey together, and when we hang up our clubs, we’ll look at it more relaxed.”
The Serb has big plans for 2024. He sees himself “physically and mentally” capable of winning all four Grand Slam tournaments, the Golden Slam, and the Olympic Games – the latter is still missing.
The ten-time Australian Open winner is also aiming for the record for the most tournament wins. Jimmy Connors holds this with 109, followed by Federer (103). Djokovic is at 98.
2023-11-25 06:59:00
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