Ana Ivanovic recalls Rafael Nadal’s shocking words to her in 2008 to prove how Novak Djokovic has leapfrogged the Spaniard and Federer

Ana Ivanovic revealed how Rafael Nadal spoke to her about the physicality of Novak Djokovic just when the Serbian's golden time was starting to come.

Ana Ivanovic recalls Rafael Nadal’s shocking words to her in 2008 to prove how Novak Djokovic has leapfrogged the Spaniard and Federer

Former Serbian tennis player Ana Ivanovic has looked back on a comment made by Rafael Nadal back in the day about his longtime rivals Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. In a year where Djokovic despite turning 36 has looked like a whole different player with his success speaking volumes, Ivanovic had talked recently about the words spoken by the Spaniard way back in 2008.

She revealed how Nadal spoke to her about the physicality of Djokovic just when the Serbian’s golden time was starting to come. Nadal was left shocked by the fitness and mentality of Djokovic during that time as he believed that a sport like tennis would need a fully fit body in the long run.

Nadal also feared that he himself might not be able to cope with the different injuries that would catch him with time. Ivanovic said, as quoted by Kurir:

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Honestly, we didn't think it would last that long. What is really fascinating to me is how he manages to keep his body fit and healthy. It's a hard sport, it has a big impact on the body, we can see it from Roger and Rafa. I remember Rafa telling me in 2008, 'I don't know how long I will last', and here is Novak, fighting. The fact that Novak is so strong and healthy is really fascinating to me, kudos to him.

Novak Djokovic’s on achieving new heights next year:

While the other tennis stars have already planned their vacations and holidays for the next months, Novak Djokovic has already set his goals for the upcoming year. The Serbian came very close to winning the Calendar Grand Slam this year but Carlos Alcaraz eluded him from winning the Wimbledon Championships.

Novak Djokovic silences the crowd during a match. (credits: Open)

But now the 24-time Grand Slam winner has his eyes set on the achievement that has only been achieved once that too by the great Steffi Graf. Djokovic talked about the achievement after his seventh ATP Finals title saying:

“Well, you can win four slams and an Olympic gold. I have always the highest ambitions and goals. That’s not going to be different for the next year."

It’s no secret that Djokovic is a man who loves hunting new records. Novak cleared his intentions regarding going all in for the four slams and the all-important Olympic gold medal next year. He also hopes to achieve the Calendar Slam record in the process after missing out on it this year.

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