Novak Djokovic has revealed that he feels closer to Rafael Nadal than Roger Federer in a candid reflection on his rivalries with both players. The veteran Serb is the only member of the Big Three still playing but appears to be nearing the end of his own career. After being knocked out of the French Open earlier this month, he suggested that it might have been his final match at Roland Garros.
When he eventually retires, it will bring the curtain down on arguably the greatest era in tennis history. It has been characterised by the decades-long rivalry between Djokovic, Federer and Nadal with all three players standing head and shoulders above the rest. They had a frosty relationship with each other during their playing days but Djokovic did not take it personally.
In an interview with Slaven Bilic on Failure of Champions, he said: “Just because someone is my biggest rival doesn’t mean I wish them harm, hate them, or want to do anything else on the court to defeat them. We fought for the win, and the better player won.”
Djokovic also revealed that he always had a better relationship with Nadal than Federer, adding: “I’ve never said a single bad word about them and never will. I looked up to them and still do, but I’ve always gotten along better with Nadal.”
Looking back on his breakthrough as one of the Big Three, Djokovic revealed that he always felt like the runt of the litter despite being the most successful in terms of Grand Slam titles.
He was usually the most hot-headed of the trio, but this was because he thought he needed to prove himself to a greater degree by acting differently to his rivals.
“I acted and still felt like an unwanted child,” said Djokovic. “I asked myself why that was. It hurt me. Then I thought the fans would accept me if I acted differently, but that wasn’t the case either.
“I was never as loved as Federer and Nadal because I wasn’t supposed to be there. I was the little guy, the third guy who came along and said: ‘I’m going to be No 1’. Many people didn’t like that.”
Djokovic made it clear that he did not have any regrets, though, adding: “I am a man with many flaws, of course. Nevertheless, I have always tried to live with heart and good intentions and, ultimately, to be myself.”