Novak Djokovic snubs Roger Federer and calls Rafael Nadal the ‘biggest opponent and biggest rival’

World No.7 Novak Djokovic is in Doha for the ATP 500 Qatar Open where he will be playing singles for the first time since 2019.

Novak Djokovic snubs Roger Federer and calls Rafael Nadal the ‘biggest opponent and biggest rival’

Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal (Images via ATP/X)

Novak Djokovic will be chasing his first ATP title since winning the 2023 ATP Finals in the ongoing Qatar Open. Ahead of his singles campaign, the Serbian great once again declared that he considers Rafael Nadal his biggest rival ahead of Roger Federer.

Djokovic is scheduled to meet former World No.6 Matteo Berrettini in his opening round on Tuesday (February 18). While the Serb is doing everything to challenge the youngsters to win titles, his two rivals, Federer and Nadal, are enjoying their lives post-retirement.

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The legendary trio have been part of many memorable Grand Slam battles, but it’s the Serb who edges them in their head-to-head encounters. The last time the tennis world saw them locking horns in an official event was in the 2024 Paris Olympics second-round clash where Djokovic eliminated the 22-time Grand Slam champion.

You probably know the names Federer and Nadal. I would say Nadal would be the one that probably stands out as my biggest opponent and biggest rival. Yes.

Novak Djokovic told reporters in Doha

Federer and Nadal called time on their illustrious career at the 2022 Laver Cup and the 2024 Davis Cup, respectively. Djokovic hinted at retirement in the press conference at this year’s Australian Open after injury stopped him from continuing his semifinal clash with Alexander Zverev.

Novak Djokovic jokes when asked about the best moment of his career

Novak Djokovic lifted his first Grand Slam title at the 2008 Australian Open. But it was in 2011 that he fulfilled his dream of becoming a Wimbledon champion.

Novak Djokovic (8)
Novak Djokovic (Image via ATP/X)

Another title that he coveted but which eluded him for more than a decade was the Olympic gold medal. He finally laid his land on the medal at the Paris Olympics last year. The 24-time Grand Slam champion said winning these titles were the best moments of his career after joking about his being trophy-less on the tour for more than a year.

The best moment is the next winning moment! Hopefully, it’s coming here. I’m saying this half-jokingly, but also half serious because in tennis you kind of have to get used to turning the next page and focusing on the next task and next challenge very quickly.

Novak Djokovic told reporters

In Doha, apart from singles, Djokovic is also participating in doubles. The 37-year-old joined hands with Fernando Verdasco, and the pair reached the second round following a 6-1, 6-1 win over Karen Khachanov and Alexander Bublik. They will face Henry Patten and Harri Heliovaara next.