WATCH: Roger Federer hopes Novak Djokovic can go on and ‘crush every record’ in tennis

Federer retired from the sport in 2022, playing his last professional match at the Laver Cup.

WATCH: Roger Federer hopes Novak Djokovic can go on and ‘crush every record’ in tennis

Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer (Image via Imago)

Roger Federer shared a great rivalry with Novak Djokovic. The two players often faced off on the biggest stages and pushed each other to their limits. Federer, who retired from the sport in 2022, is hoping to see the Serbian smash every tennis record possible before he hangs up his racket.

In a conversation on Trevor Noah’s ‘What Now?’ podcast, Federer looked back on his relationship with his rivals, especially Rafael Nadal and Djokovic.

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When asked about his relationship with Nadal, who got very emotional in Federer’s last game on the tour, the Swiss maestro spoke about the camaraderie between tennis players. He said that his retirement was an emotional moment for everyone and it was the reason behind the Spaniard’s tears.

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There was this moment when we could take it all in, our careers were flashing in front of our eyes, especially for them who are still going. They're like, 'We are so fortunate that were are living as a tennis player. Fortunate to still be going.' Hopefully, Novak can go and crush every record, Murray can play as long as his hip allows, and Rafa knew that he was in a tough spot as well.
Roger Federer explained on the Trevor Noah podcast

Roger Federer says it would have been painful for him to see any of his rivals retire before him

Roger Federer further talked about his camaraderie with Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray. He recalled the press conference before his last match and how important it was for him to let everybody know that he was happy to be leaving the sport before the others.

Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray
Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray (Image via Imago)

Federer explained that it would have been painful for him to see his rivals walk into the sunset before he did. He always wanted to be the first one among them to end his career and was happy that things panned out as he had hoped. 

There was this strong moment in the press conference a couple of days before the last match where I got to grab the mic and say how happy I am that I get to go first. It's not like Rafa retiring before me, or Novak or Andy but actually, I go first, like it was supposed to be. It would have been painful for me to see one of them go first because of an injury.
Roger Federer said

While Djokovic has been going strong since Federer’s retirement, Nadal and Murray have been troubled by injuries and have withdrawn from the singles event at the ongoing Wimbledon Championships. Murray, however, is set to take part in the doubles alongside his brother Jamie Murray.

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