Novak Djokovic confesses being bugged by Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal’s absence as World No. 1 thanks his arch rivals for ‘upward spiral’ career

The Serbian says although he has made peace with the fact, he feels the void after Roger Federer's retirement.

Novak Djokovic confesses being bugged by Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal’s absence as World No. 1 thanks his arch rivals for ‘upward spiral’ career

L-R: Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer(Images via Sky Sports/Eurosport/ CBS Sports)

Serbian tennis legend Novak Djokovic‘s rivalry with the other two tennis greats- Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal does not need any introduction. Fondly known as the Big Three of men’s tennis, the three players pushed each other to do well. However, with Roger Federer retired and Nadal not actively competing on the tour, Novak Djokovic is feeling the void.

As the 24-time Grand Slam champion gets ready to compete for his sixth Indian Wells title, Djokovic has spoken about missing Federer and Nadal. The Serbian has said that although he handled himself well, he felt the void when Federer hung up his racket.

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The 36-year-old says that he agrees with John McEnroe on the American’s claim that he felt like a part of him retired when Bjorn Borg called it quits. Djokovic says that he feels a similar way about Federer retiring and Nadal not competing actively.

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It’s beautiful for our sport that we had amazing rivalries that have really marked an incredible two decades, and, I remember John McEnroe saying in one of the documentaries that when Bjorn Borg retired, he felt like a part of him also retired. You know, even though he kept going and that’s, uh, I must say, a similar feeling that I have with Roger, you know retiring and Rafa not playing much at all it’s a strange feeling.
Novak Djokovic said at the pre-match press conference. 
I figured out what to do and kind of matured mentally, emotionally, and of course physically as a player more experienced and then since that moment my career has been going thankfully with an upward spiral, which is amazing but it’s all due to them and the rivalries I had with them.
The Serbian ace said.

Novak Djokovic looks back at his season so far and shares his feeling for Indian Wells

Apart from talking about missing his rivalry with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic reflected on his performance so far in the 2024 season. As the Serbian is habituated to starting his season by winning the Australian Open title, Djokovic rued missing out on the chance this time.

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Novak Djokovic hits the practice courts at Indian Wells (Images via X, Imago)

The Serbian credited Jannik Sinner for outplaying him in the final and declared that the Italian deservingly won the title. About his performance, Djokovic said that he was most probably fatigued as he did not get enough time to rest. The 24-time Grand Slam champion said that he felt like he did not play his best tennis.

Nevertheless, the 36-year-old is excited about competing at 2024 Indian Wells. As Djokovic is returning to the Desert after five years, he is excited to do well. 

It feels great. There's a reason why they call it Tennis Paradise. It’s an enjoyable experience for players, for fans. Anybody who really loves the sport enjoys this tournament very much. So I was very excited to come back. It's been five years and time flies incredibly fast.
Novak Djokovic said ahead of his first match. (H/T: ATP Tour)

Notably, being the top seed, Novak Djokovic received a bye in the first round. He will, however, face Australian Aleksandar Vukic in the second round.

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