Wimbledon (DR) / Tennis TV (DR)
Although they have not been able to face each other on the courts for several months, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal are still present in the press. Moreover, a recent remark from the Spaniard about the world number 1 did not go unnoticed a few weeks ago. That’s good: “Nole” took the time, but he responded to “Rafa”. Clearly and unambiguously.
59 matches apart, for an almost balanced record of 30-29: Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have certainly contributed to one of the greatest rivalries in tennis history. But will we see the two men cross swords again on a court? Nothing is less certain, at a time when the career of the “Bull of Manacor” seems to be more and more on the dotted line.
What is certain, however, is that the “Djoker” had a magical year in 2023. By winning Wimbledon then the US Open, he became the only record holder for the number of Grand Slam tournaments won in his career, with 24 coronations. A consecration which also made Ragael Nadal react.
Novak Djokovic responds to Rafael Nadal’s tackle
Questioned by Movistar, the eternal Roland Garros legend implied that Djokovic’s obsession with this record was not healthy:
I am not frustrated for a simple reason: I did the maximum to achieve my goals, according to my possibilities. I think Novak was more into that than me. If he hadn’t succeeded, it would have been a greater frustration for him.
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Maybe that’s why he succeeded. I think he had this ability to push his ambition to the maximum. I was ambitious too, but in a healthy way, which allowed me to see things differently.
Words which did not go unnoticed by Djokovic, who (logically) felt attacked. But the response from “Djoker” reflects great class:
#Djokovic: I have no intention of speaking in a negative light about Nadal 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.
— Saša Ozmo (@ozmo_sasa) October 10, 2023
Djokovic: “I saw that his comments went viral, that it got people talking. Everyone has their own opinion, that’s all I have to say. I respect Rafa as a great champion. I have no intention of speaking in any negative way about Nadal or Roger Federer. My respect for them goes beyond the few negative opinions I may have. This is Rafa’s opinion, and, of course, I disagree.”
Like their interactions for almost 20 years, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer intend to remain in this clever balance between competitive spirit and great mutual respect. The Serb thus did not want to add fuel to the fire, brushing aside the Spaniard’s little pike with the back of his hand. And that’s so much the better.
2023-10-12 20:18:54
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