Rafael Nadal on Novak Djokovic: Words unsaid in a legendary rivalry © Getty Images/Chris Hyde
The rivalry between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic in men’s tennis is legendary, but as Nadal suggested in a recent interview with El Pais, there are aspects of this competition that he prefers to leave uncommented on.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion spoke about why his rivalry with Roger Federer was more in focus than that with Djokovic.
“There are several factors. Some I won’t tell you because it’s difficult for me to talk about them, it’s not my place to comment on them,” explained Nadal.
This comment leaves a lot of room for interpretation and has already led to speculation on social media. Fans of Djokovic, always defending their hero, suspect that Nadal’s comments point to the theory that the Serbian star lacks the global popularity of his two great rivals.
Others suggest that Nadal could be referring to some of Djokovic’s more controversial moments, which have led to divided opinions about his legacy in the sport.
Style and emotion in tennis
Nadal further explained the difference between Federer and Djokovic’s playing styles.
“Roger was perfect in terms of aesthetics, elegance and technique. I have very good technique, but technique is not the same as aesthetics. He had incredible technique and did everything beautifully with impressive elegance.
When I arrived he was number one in the world and a rival with long hair and an exuberant physique emerged. Elegance against a warrior.”
When asked which player impressed him the most in his career, Nadal replied: “Since I remember tennis, Federer has impressed me the most, entertained me the most, moved me the most.
Watching him play moved me more than Djokovic, and in the end tennis is about emotion; it’s the emotion that attracts you.”
Nadal’s response to Djokovic’s comments
Regarding Djokovic’s comment that he was intimidated by Nadal’s high-energy pre-match warm-up routines, Nadal said: “It was never, ever, ever my intention [zu einschüchtern].
I warm up to be prepared and ready, and I train, nothing more. I didn’t hear what he said, to be honest.”
2024-01-01 21:04:36
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