“A big part of me left with them,” Novak Djokovic on being the last standing member of the Big 3 after Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer’s retirements
Novak Djokovic reflected on being the the last standing member of the Big 3 following Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer's retirements.
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Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic (via Imago)
Novak Djokovic had very kind words to say about Rafael Nadal after the Spaniard announced his decision to retire from the sport. With Roger Federer having retired in 2022, Djokovic will be the last member of the Big 3 still in action after this year.
On Thursday (September 10), Nadal took to social media to announce that he would hang up his racket after the David Cup Finals later this year. He said that he was happy with everything he achieved and that it was the right time to walk into the sunset.
Djokovic immediately took to social media to pay tribute to Nadal. He thanked the 38-year-old for pushing him to the limit with their historic rivalry and promised to attend his final career tournament.
Thank you for pushing me to the very limit so many times in our rivalry that has impacted me the most as a player. Your passion for representing Spain has always been remarkable. I wish you best possible farewell in Malaga with Davis Cup team of Spain. I will be there in person to pay respect to your stellar career.
Novak Djokovic wrote on Instagram
The Serbian, who is currently in action at the Shanghai Masters, said that while he still enjoys competing, a big part of him ‘has left’ following the retirements of Nadal and Federer. He once again praised Nadal on his incredibly successful career.
It’s a bit overwhelming for me, to be honest. I don’t know what to what to make out of it. I still you know enjoy competing. But, part of me left with them, a big part of me. It’s tough news for tennis world, for sports world. Rafael has been an inspiration, is an inspiration, to millions of children around the world. So he can be very proud of his career.
Novak Djokovic said in an on-court interview at Shanghai Masters
“A big part of me left with them” ?
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) October 11, 2024
Novak Djokovic on Nadal’s retirement announcement @DjokerNole #RolexShanghaiMasters pic.twitter.com/Y5UtOThfg8
Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer dominated the ATP Tour for more than two decades. They have collectively won 66 singles Grand Slams and were ranked as the World No. 1s for a total of 947 weeks.
Novak Djokovic calls Rafael Nadal his ‘greatest rival’ in tennis
Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have locked horns many times in their careers, with most of their clashes coming on the biggest stages. They pushed each other to become better players and have always had mutual respect, both on and off the court.
Djokovic said that while everyone knew that Nadal was close to his retirement, it was still not easy to digest it when it was made official. He called the Mallorcan his ‘greatest rival’ and said that he was still in shock.
He’s been my greatest rival. The rivalry I had with him has impacted me the most in my career by far. We knew that that moment is coming sooner than later. But it’s still a shock, you know when it came officially. For Roger also a few years ago as well when he announced retirement and Andy [Murray] as well this year.
Novak Djokovic said in the on-court interview
Nadal and Djokovic faced each other a whopping 60 times over the years, with the latter having a narrow 31-29 lead in the head-to-head. Nadal, however, Nadal leads 11-7 at Grand Slams, including a 5-4 lead in Major finals.
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Anirudh Velamuri
(58 Articles Published)