Novak Djokovic is a tennis player known for his honesty and as a person who often directly states everything he thinks. During his long career, the Serbian tennis player has developed many rivalries, but the most famous is certainly the one with Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
The Big Three dominated the tennis scene for years, and fans often wondered what their relationships were like outside the tennis courts.
Years later, Novak Djokovic revealed interesting details in an interview with Corriere della Sera.
Namely, the 39-year-old placed special emphasis on his friendship with Rafael Nadal, saying that although both respect each other, it is difficult for a real friendship to exist between them, given that they were strong rivals.
'Nadal is only a year older than me, we are both Geminis, at first we even went to dinner together, twice. But even with him, friendship is impossible,' he told Corriere Della Sera.
'I have always respected and greatly admired him. Thanks to him and Federer, I grew up and became who I am. This will unite us forever; therefore I feel gratitude towards them. Nadal is a part of my life, in the last fifteen years I've seen more of him than my mum!
We have never been friends. Between rivals, it is not possible, but we have never been enemies.'
Roger Federer
On the other hand, the Serbian tennis player could not help but mention Roger Federer, saying that the situation is almost identical. Namely, although he respects the Swiss tennis player, he has never had a close relationship with him.
'I've always had respect for Federer, he was one of the greatest of all time. He had an extraordinary impact, but I've never been close to him.'
Novak Djokovic is the only remaining member of the Big Three who still plays professionally and causes positive reactions from the public. Even in his late playing years, he still poses a threat to his opponents and is at the top of the ATP rankings.
