“It’s p***ing me off,” Novak Djokovic admits Rafael Nadal intimidated him at the French Open early in his career

Two of the biggest names in tennis, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, have always been great rivals throughout their careers. Even though both players do not show how scared they are on the court, they are equally nervous when facing each other. 

In a recent interview called 60 Minutes, the Serbian great recalls how intimidating locker rooms can be.

Notably, every player has their own routine before the match, and Nadal also has one. In the episode, Djokovic revealed that he always found his rival Nadal’s warm-up intimidating because of the intensity of it. 

Over the years, this warm-up routine has pissed off the Serbian, who has now faced the Spaniard numerous times in his career.

I'm playing Nadal in Roland-Garros, and I have his locker next to my locker, right? So, we are so close. And we're trying to give each other space. But then the locker room is also not that big. And the way you jump around like Nadal does before we go out on the court. In the locker room, he's doing sprints next to you. I can even hear the music he's listening to in his headphones [he mimics it]. So, you know, it's pissing me off.

Said Djokovic on 60 minutes.

The Spaniard is known for his reign at the French Open (commonly known as Roland Garros). He has one of the highest title wins at this location, with historic records. 

Playing the ‘king of clay’ on this court will be intimidating to anyone, even if it is World No. 1 Djokovic. The two have faced each other numerous times throughout their careers, with the Serbian leading 30 wins over Rafa in 59 matches.

Novak Djokovic also motivated by his warm-up routine, reckons he gets motivated by it

Warm-up routines are one of the most important routines for an athlete. While many warm up on the field, the tennis stars warm up in their locker room ahead of their secondary warm-up on the court, where they practice their shots. 

In the 60-minute interview, he revealed that he was motivated by Nadal’s warm-up but was also simultaneously motivated by it. He believes that watching his rival warm-up starts a fire in him to do the same and prepare for the upcoming match, which he also termed ‘war.’

Early in my career, I didn't realize how all that's part of the scenario, right? So, I was getting intimidated by that. But it's also motivating me to do stuff myself and to show that I'm ready, you know? I'm ready for a battle, for a war.

Said the world number 1

Djokovic’s first meeting with Nadal came at the French Open, where he unfortunately had to retire mid-match due to injury concerns. Now they are two of the most well-respected players in the sport and have inspired millions. 

Now the Spaniard is returning to the sport after a year, whereas Djokovic has been dominating the sport recently. 2024 is a golden calendar year, and both players would look to go big next year and hope to do well in both Grand Slams as well as the Paris Olympics.

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