Novak Djokovic reveals whether he is closer to Rafael Nadal or Roger Federer

Saturday, 27 December 2025 at 20:08

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byJordan Reynolds

Novak Djokovic gave a fascinating insight into how his relationship with Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer has evolved.

Despite only being a year younger than Nadal, the 14-time French Open champion was already an established Grand Slam champion when Djokovic came onto the scene. Federer, six years older, was the dominant player on the ATP Tour at the time.

At the end of 2010, Djokovic had only secured one Grand Slam, at the 2008 Australian Open. That contrasted sharply with Federer's 16, a record in men's singles at the time, and Nadal's nine major titles.

That deficit never stopped Djokovic from believing he would ultimately overtake them, and he carried that confidence openly. Federer openly did not like the Serbian when he was younger, and Nadal was also not overtly warm.

Djokovic spoke about that dynamic in an interview with former footballer and manager Slaven Bilic. The former world No. 1 insisted that his attitude towards them never changed, and he always had respect despite being confident.

"My behavior towards them never changed. The situation changed because they changed their attitude towards me. I always tried to be, how to say it... I admired them. And I still consider them as those who paved the way for me."

This year's Wimbledon semifinalist said that he accepted Federer and Nadal to a lesser extent, being cold towards him for many years, and that he developed a better relationship with them when they decided to change.

"From the moment I felt that coldness and distance on his part, I said to myself: 'Alright, no problem.' Then, when they approached me, I welcomed them with open arms."

Although Djokovic and Nadal are not close friends, the 24-time Grand Slam champion believes he always understood the Spaniard better than Federer because they are closer in age.

"I always had the impression of understanding him better. We are almost the same age, so maybe that's why."

Relations between the legendary trio are noticeably warmer since Federer and Nadal retired. The former has admitted he regrets not being more respectful towards Djokovic when he emerged.

Roger Federer never practiced with Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, according to Andy Murray

Top players hitting together is now common. Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, the dominant players in men's tennis since the start of 2024, have practiced with each other, and with others near the top.

Andy Murray, the best player outside of Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer for several years until a severe hip injury derailed him, revealed that Federer did not like practicing with his rivals because they were competitors.

The Swiss Maestro used to occasionally train with Murray, but that changed when the Briton began challenging for Grand Slams. Federer's reluctance to practice with his most significant on-court rivals was more common until recently.

Murray was briefly Djokovic's coach from the start of this year until they split during the clay-court swing. They had a promising start at the 2025 Australian Open, but both men ultimately felt it was not working.