Novak Djokovic is arguably the best player of all time, and it wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
Those are the words of Djokovic himself, who has spoken extensively about the impact both Nadal and Federer had on his tennis career. He emerged as a sort of disruptor as he basically put himself in between a legendary rivalry between two players who were destined for history.
Lots of fans reacted negatively to that initially because, at first, it seemed like a surplus. Tennis had two legendary players, and they didn’t need another one, even though very few thought that Djokovic could become a legend early on in his career.
He would not only become a legendary player but possibly overtake both of them in the history books, ultimately becoming, for many, the best player of all time.
According to Djokovic, though, it wouldn’t have happened without those two and the impact they had on him. They have largely shaped him as a player, which he talked about during a recent press conference in Belgrade.
"We grew up through the juniors together, although he started to have excellent professional results much earlier. Federer and he shaped me the most as a player."
Djokovic isn’t the only player who was shaped by the duo. Most of today’s best players have been shaped by them in one way or another. The Serbian built a rivalry with both, but the one with Nadal has more chapters in it.
They have played 59 matches so far, and number 60 might be coming soon. Djokovic would find Roland Garros the most fitting place for their 60th meeting.
"60th match? Roland Garros final! I think he and I would both agree that it should be there. He is definitely my biggest rival. Not only because of the number of matches, we are generationally close."