Rafael Nadal goes ‘candid’ on his relationship with Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer

Rafael Nadal opens up about his relationship with arch-rivals Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic ahead of the Six Kings Slam event.

Rafael Nadal goes ‘candid’ on his relationship with Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer

Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic (via Tennis Majors)

Rafael Nadal has opened up about his relationship with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. The 38-year-old is currently in Riyadh for the Six Kings Slam. H will be in action for the first time since the Paris Olympics in August.

Nadal shared a strong bond with his arch-rivals Federer and Djokovic on the court. The trio formed the Big Three in tennis and their rivalry transcended the sport for over two decades. However, it came to an end when Federer first retired in 2022.

YouTube video

Despite Djokovic and Nadal still competing after that, they rarely met on the court. Recently, Nadal announced his decision to hang up his racket after the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga. The Spaniard met Federer 40 times in his career and leads 24-16 in their head-to-head record. He faced Djokovic sixty times, with the Serbian leading 31-29.

FS Video

In a recent interview, Nadal spoke about his positive relationship with Federer and Djokovic. He acknowledged that he has a special relationship with Federer than Djokovic.

With Roger I have a special relationship, but with Novak too I have a good relationship. It’s the way you approach the sport because in the end, we understand, that’s all it is a match. In life, we have more important things outside of tennis. At the end of the day, if you have a good relationship with your colleagues, those around you with people in general, undoubtedly the experience will be happier.

Rafael Nadal told DAZN
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Nadal is expected to play in Riyadh on Thursday (October 17). He will face either Carlos Alcaraz or Holger Rune for a place in the final of the exhibition tournament.

Rafael Nadal opens up about potential clash with Novak Djokovic at Six Kings Slam

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are likely to meet in the Six Kings Slam event. Both players have a first-round bye in the tournament and will play in the semifinals directly.

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic posing for a picture before Paris Olympics match
Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal (via Imago)

Nadal will play either Carlos Alcaraz or Holger Rune, while Djokovic will face either Jannik Sinner or Daniil Medvedev. If Nadal and Djokovic win their respective semifinal matches, they will face each other in the final. Ahead of the exhibition event, the 38-year-old spoke about his rivalry with the Serbian.

We have played plenty of times, we don’t need to play again. But it’s always been a big challenge, a great rival and he’s a player who has always been pushing me at the highest level, going through the limits. I think that’s the same feeling we have between each other

Rafael Nadal said (via DAZN)
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The last time Nadal and Djokovic met was in the singles second round of the Paris Olympics. Djokovic won the match in straight sets and went on to win the gold medal. Fans will hope they meet one more time before Nadal retires.