"Nadal without a doubt" - Djokovic on biggest rival
ATP
Novak Djokovic didn't have a single doubt when he was asked who has been his biggest rival on the ATP Tour.
Roger Federer retired from the sport at the 2022 Laver Cup. Djokovic was present during the Swiss player's retirement ceremony. With fans looking back on Federer's career, players faced plenty of questions about their own retirements but also about their rivalries in recent days.
Djokovic will play his first official match since winning Wimbledon this year. The Serbian player will compete at the Tel Aviv Open, and before leaving London, he said he was troubled by his wrist. In Israel, however, he provided a more positive update.
"I practiced today for two hours and it was ok. I am feeling good and happy that injuries are now behind me."
Djokovic was also asked about his longevity and what principles he follows to be able to stay so competitive for so long. He admitted that there isn't one secret that would be helping him.
"There isn’t one secret or one key that solves all the problems. It’s a combination of things that are part of your character: who you are, how you train, what’s your lifestyle."
"I also try some new things, because I always want to progress. Especially when you have guys like Alcaraz, who is full of power and adrenaline. So you always have to figure out how to improve and take yourself to a higher level."
Djokovic was also asked about his rivals. Although Federer has been the man in the spotlight recently, the Serbian player was honest and said that throughout his career, Rafael Nadal has been his biggest rival.
"Everyone is my rival, whoever I step out on court against. But when it comes to who is my biggest rival, then it’s Nadal without a doubt. He is still there."
"We played more matches against each other than any other rivalry in the history of tennis. And I hope that we will play many more times, it’s exciting for us and for tennis."
