Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have always shown immense mutual respect over the years. The Swiss and the Spaniard currently share the record of 20 Grand Slam tournaments, while the world number 1 them closely with 17 titles as the youngest player in the Big 3.
The 33-year-old Serb would have hoped for a better result at the US Open and Roland Garros last year, but his sensational disqualification in New York for a ball accidentally thrown at a linesman has turned the tide of the season .
In Paris, Djokovic then lost in the final against Nadal. Nole now has a good chance of breaking the absolute record for the weeks spent at the head of the ATP ranking (record currently held by Federer).
At a press conference after securing a first victory over Frenchman Chardy at the Australian Open, Djokovic praised Roger and Rafa for what they have been able to accomplish in their respective careers.
Djokovic pays tribute to Federer and Nadal
“I respect all of my opponent’s records, I think in particular of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal and what they have achieved over the years, they are legends of our sport and I admire them a lot,” said Novak Djokovic.
Over the years, the “Big 3” players have pushed each other to their limits, forcing all three to offer their best tennis. And Djokovic also accepts this fact and recognizes the great rivalry he had with Federer and Nadal.
“They positively influenced my game and my growth, my development and all my success wouldn’t be what they are if these two guys weren’t there. So I had huge feuds with these two guys and we still continue.
But I don’t, I don’t want any of their success if you know what I mean (speaking of their rivalry). I’m not jealous of their success or anything, I’m trying to build my own authentic career as well as my own success, and I stick to that. “
For now, during the 2021 season, the Big 3 has become the “Big 2” Indeed, Roger Federer is still recovering from his knee surgery, and Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are the only members of the famous trio to participate in the first Major of the season.
The 2021 Australian Open will include a 33% pay cut for singles champions. The winners of the coveted Major will therefore each receive $ 2.11 million. This is the lowest price since 2014, but it’s all for a worthy cause.
AO 2021 players will compete for a total prize of $ 54.9 million (same as last year). The reduction in the pay of singles champions will benefit greatly from covering the pay gap with the first losers.
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