Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal surprisingly revealed that he hasn't congratulated his rival Novak Djokovic following his record-tying 24th Grand Slam win at the 2023 US Open.
Over a week ago, Djokovic defeated Daniil Medvedev in straight sets to land his fourth US Open title, and men's record 24 Grand Slams. Djokovic also became the first man to win three Grand Slams in the same season on four occasions (2011, 2015, 2021, 2023).
Players from the past and current generation extended their warmest congratulatory messages to the Serb for another record-setting year. Djokovic competed in all four major finals. Nadal, who trails Djokovic in Grand Slam titles count, gave an interview on Movistar and made an honest admission he is yet to pass on his compliments but says he'll do so.
"The truth is that I still haven't sent any message to Djokovic. When you gain something so important, from experience, I know that it is better to spend time to value this message. I'll send it, but I haven't done it yet."
Nadal then further stated he doesn't have any close connection with the newer generation of players on the ATP Tour as he played in a different era. Occasionally, he speaks to his great friend and rival Roger Federer, with whom he has shared the podium on the biggest stages many times in the past.
"Of course, I sent messages to Alcaraz when he won or when he was about to win. The others... I don't have many friends left on the circuit, I'm already from another generation. I'll talk to Federer from time to time."
But the breathtaking rivalry of the past decade has been Djokovic-Nadal. The pair played each other in all four major finals at least once and overall met on 59 occasions in their careers, with Djokovic leading the head-to-head 30-29.
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