Novak Djokovic opens up about his relationship with Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer: “We are not friends”

Novak Djokovic He is one of those athletes who never bites his tongue. The current number one in the world has always been characterized by saying what he thinks and this time it has been no less. The Serbian has expanded on his relationship with Rafael Nadal y Roger Federer or your thoughts on vaccines.

Throughout his sporting career, ‘Nole’ has always demonstrated good harmony with those who have been his two staunch rivals for many years. Together with Nadal and Federer he formed the so-called ‘Big Three’, although they have always shown great respect for each other, the Serbian has made it clear that they are not friends.

“We are not friends because we are rivals, making it difficult as competitors to be close and share intimacies of our lives that could be used against us,” Djokovic explained about his relationship with Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal. Some words that are at least surprising, since they have always seemed to be very united.

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Even so, the world number one made it clear that the door is open to being true friends when they finish their respective sports careers. Roger Federer, for now, has been the first to hang up his racket and Rafa Nadal will do so next year, so from that moment on there could be a lasting friendship.

“We have shared the stage for so many years with great respect, so I hope that one day, when the curtains close, we can sit down and talk and reflect, it would be amazing,” highlighted Novak Djokovic in an interview with the American network CBS.

Anti-vaccines

Another aspect that Novak Djokovic touched on during his interview was the topic of vaccines. The Serbian has been singled out in recent years for being against them, which has earned him numerous criticisms. However, during his intervention, he did appear in favor of them.

“People tried to call me anti-vaccine when I am not. I am in favor of vaccines in the same way that I am in favor of the freedom to decide,” said Novak Djokovic to deny any rumors. In fact, the Serbian missed numerous tournaments over several seasons because of his refusal to attend them.

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His path in the United States was especially tortuous. The world number one missed some of the most important tournaments on the circuit there, since he did not comply with the vaccination requirement. He missed the 2022 edition of the Australian Open or the 2023 US Open. To all this we must add the Cincinnati Masters 1000, Miami e Indian Wells of both years.

Now, with the freedom to enter any country, Novak Djokovic is about to get going to prepare for the next season. He will train for a few days in Dubai and then it will scroll to Riad to compete in an exhibition against Carlos Alcaraz before the end of the year.

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