Djokovic Reveals He Was Initially 'Pissed Off' To Compete With Nadal & Federer

| by Kadir Macar

Novak Djokovic has opened up about the evolution of his career, acknowledging that he was initially frustrated by the prospect of competing with legendary players Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.

Despite the initial resentment, Djokovic now credits his fierce competition with the two titans of tennis for his ascent to greatness. During the course of their careers, the Serb alongside Nadal and Federer formed what we know refer to as the Big Three, and all three of them often credit the other two for pushing them to improve.

During the interview with CNN, Djokovic admitted that in the early stages of his career, he was "pissed off" at the thought of trying to break through the seemingly impenetrable fortress of tennis talent that Nadal and Federer had built.

However, as time went on, the Serb, who has collected 22 Grand Slam titles in his career, recognized that the intense rivalry he shared with them was instrumental in pushing him to new heights.

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“They made me stronger, both mentally, physically, my game was improved because of all these matches that we played against each other, mostly because of the matches that I lost to them, some big matches.”

As a 22-time Grand Slam champion, Djokovic's perseverance and unwavering determination have paid off, and he has earned his place alongside Nadal and Federer as a member of the prestigious Big Three. The three players have engaged in numerous epic battles on the court, captivating audiences worldwide and contributing to the golden era of tennis.

Djokovic's revelation sheds light on the importance of embracing challenges and turning adversities into opportunities for growth. His journey from initial discontent to reaching the pinnacle of tennis success serves as a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and self-belief.

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