Novak Djokovic ‘proud’ of Rafael Nadal’s comments on the GOAT debate but shrugs off any discussions to focus on his ambitions

Djokovic will kickoff his Paris Masters 2023 campaign from the Round of 32 on 31st October.

Novak Djokovic ‘proud’ of Rafael Nadal’s comments on the GOAT debate but shrugs off any discussions to focus on his ambitions

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic (Source: Olympics)

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have always had enormous mutual respect for each other, despite their competition on the court. Recently, the Spaniard was asked about the GOAT debate, to which he said that Novak was undoubtedly the best player in history, as far as trophies are concerned. After hearing this, the Serbian, however, had a different take. 

I think that with respect to titles, Djokovic is the best in history and there is nothing to discuss in that
Rafael Nadal via AS
YouTube video

When the Serbian was asked about his response to this, he thanked Nadal for his humble words but denied talking about them and said he would prefer to focus on his goals instead. Novak said that he just feels fortunate enough to be able to compete at this level. 

No, I’m not going to say I’m the best of all time. It's not for me to say, I leave that to others. I'm very proud that my biggest rival says such things, but I leave that discussion to others. I am honored to be a tennis player who leaves his name in tennis history. It's not a priority for me. I have to stay focused on what is important to me.
Novak Djokovic via We Love Tennis

FS Video

The Serbian is currently looking forward to participating in the 2023 Paris Masters, which has already begun in the meantime. Novak Djokovic will start his campaign directly in the Round of 32 alongside Jannik Sinner, Casper Ruud, Holger Rune, and Carlos Alcaraz. 

Rafael Nadal’s kind words about Novak Djokovic relieve the tension between them after a recent controversy 

Nadal had recently made a statement about Djokovic that was taken in bad light both by the Serbian and his fans. The Spanish had remarked that Novak would have probably been frustrated if he could not have the record of most Grand Slam titles won to his name. 

Novak Djokovic (L), Rafael Nadal (R)
Novak Djokovic (L), Rafael Nadal (R) (Sources: Tennis365, The Japan Times)

Novak Djokovic had said:

I have no intention of speaking in a negative light about him or Roger Federer – my respect towards them supersedes some negative opinions I might have. Again, that’s Rafa’s opinion and I, of course, don’t agree.

However, it now seems that things are normal once again. 

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