Novak Djokovic dismisses his brewing rivalry with Carlos Alcaraz by claiming Rafael Nadal will always be his GREATEST rival

Novak Djokovic acknowledges Rafael Nadal's irreplaceable role in his tennis career, downplays rivalry with up-and-comer Carlos Alcaraz

Novak Djokovic dismisses his brewing rivalry with Carlos Alcaraz by claiming Rafael Nadal will always be his GREATEST rival

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal (Images via TennisWorld)

Novak Djokovic spoke highly of Rafael Nadal in a recent interview. Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal go back a long time. Both Novak Djokovic (35) and Rafael Nadal (36) have been ranked ATP World No. 1 on multiple occasions. Their rivalry is legendary. They have faced each other 59 times. Novak Djokovic has won 30 of these matches, and Rafael Nadal is close behind with 29 wins.

It is still unclear whether Rafael Nadal will be back from injury for the French Open 2023. During a recent interview in Rome, Novak Djokovic was asked about his dominance in the Italian Open. Although Novak has already won the tournament six times he replied,” “Well I’m not as dominant as the as the gentleman called Rafael Nadal on this tournament, but you know I’ve… I’ve had it’s probably the…yeah! The most successful tournament I had on clay in my career.”

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Carlos Alcaraz, who is currently World No. 2, is set to take Djokovic’s No. 1 spot after the Italian Open. Djokovic was asked whether Carlos Alcaraz is his biggest current rival, as they have been trading the World No. 1 spot for a few months. Novak Djokovic praised Carlos Alcaraz as a player and recognized his quality, but was quick to respond that Rafael Nadal will always be his biggest rival for as long as they are playing.

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Rafael Nadal has won the Italian Open 10 times, which is a record number. Rafael Nadal has been out of action due to injury and is currently ATP World No. 14 in singles. During the interview, Djokovic said, “look I can’t take anybody else but Nadal as my biggest rival as long as Nadal is playing, as long as I’m playing. Nadal is always my biggest rival regardless of the rankings or what’s going on on the tour, just because of the history of our rivalry and everything!” Novak Djokovic showed his respect towards Carlos Alcaraz and other players like Daniil Medvedev but ended the conversation by mentioning that, Rafael Nadal will always come in front.

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Is Novak Djokovic dropping retirement hints?

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic (Credits: Twitter)

Novak Djokovic attended the UEFA Champions League semi-final first-leg match between AC Milan and Inter Milan. The all-Italian game was held at the San Siro in Milan. Matteo Berretini and his girlfriend were also present at the match. Djokovic loves football and is a fan of AC Milan. He was seen posing for pictures with AC Milan players Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Rafael Leao.

Gazzetta dello Sport asked Djokovic how enthusiastic he was about winning titles even after he has won almost everything in tennis. To this Novak  Djokovic replied,” I don’t know how much longer I will be hungry for titles. I can guarantee you that it is still present in me, at least now. And that motivates me a lot.”

Djokovic is already competing in the Italian Open and is set to compete in the French Open too. Novak Djokovic is 35, and it is not certain how long he is going to play. Fans want to enjoy whatever time he has to offer to the game as he is set to face Tomás Martín Etcheverry in the round of 64 of the Italian Open.

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