"Roger has inspired me in many ways" - Djokovic on rivalry with Federer

| by Alfredo Bassanelli

Novak Djokovic considers Rafael Nadal his greatest rival but he holds a lot of respect for Roger Federer because he learnt a lot from him.

The Serb and the Swiss, along with Rafael Nadal, have dominated the men's tennis scene for almost 20 years. The trio has won 63 of the 75 men's singles Grand Slams that have occurred in the last 18 years.

The Big 3 have always encouraged one another to improve according to Djokovic, who claimed as much in a 2020 interview with Graham Bensinger. He also gave Federer credit for motivating him and demonstrating to him how to develop as a player and person.

"Well, we still do, we still push each other, we still drive each other to be the best we could possibly be with the tennis racquet on the court,” he said while adding:

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“Roger has inspired me in many ways. Roger has particularly showed, not just me but all the generations after him, how efficiently and smartly you can train and organize your private and professional life in order to thrive, in order to be your best self, in order to be a champion. How to, you know, carry yourself on the court with dignity and everything."

It is still feasible for Novak Djokovic to travel to the USA and take part in the US Open this year however it's unlikely. The Serb is currently prohibited from entering the USA because the nation's travel regulations demand that visitors who are not citizens receive a double COVID-19 vaccination, which the 35-year-old has stated he is unwilling to receive.

Coco Gauff's new signature shoes to be launched already next week
Coco Gauff's new signature shoes to be launched already next week

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