The world of champions is a sanctuary of paradoxes. The rivalries that drive the careers of these athletes almost always give way, over the years, to a feeling of respect, admiration, even friendship.
Rafael Nadal, who has just announced his retirement after the Davis Cup, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray are part of a caste, tiny in number, immense in the scope of its exploits, which marked the tennis. The Serb will be the last survivor at the end of 2024 and he was moved to speak of the end of his time.
“I always want to play and compete, but a part of me goes with them,” said the Djoker after his victory against Jakub Mensik in the quarter-finals of the Masters 1000. “A big part. For tennis, for sport, this is sad news. »
The record holder for Grand Slam victories had already reacted with emotion on his networks to Rafa’s announcement – “I meant every word,” he said. The Spaniard is in his eyes and without a shadow of a doubt his “greatest rival”, the one who gave him the most trouble.
“I don’t know how to handle this”
“The rivalry I had with him is the one that had the most impact for me, by far,” confirmed Djokovic, without forgetting to mention the other giant of the Big Four, Roger Federer, and the loser magnificent of the bunch, Andy Murray, the only mortal to have looked these demigods in the eyes (with Stan Wawrinka).
“It was also a shock for Roger when he officially announced it a few years ago. And Andy too this year… To be honest, it’s a bit overwhelming for me, it’s huge. I don’t know how to deal with all this. » By continuing to play tennis, Novak. A little longer than them.
