BREAKING NEWS: Novak Djokovic openly calls fans Disrepectful as the fail to give credit to an ATP star Due to…
Novak Djokovic has had a very long career at a high level and has had the opportunity to face several generations of players, working on his body in an almost obsessive way in order to keep his game at a level necessary to make a difference on all surfaces.
The former world number 1 is 38 years old and is no longer in his ‘prime’, but he has repeatedly repeated that he has no intention of giving up and dreams of playing until the Los Angeles Olympics scheduled for 2028 (when he will be 41 years old). The veteran from Belgrade did not fulfill his goal of winning another Grand Slam title this year, but he still lifted his 100th professional trophy and reached the semifinals in the four Majors played in 2025.
This means that the 38-year-old Serbian is still competitive at the highest level and will give his best to have a new chance in 2026, despite knowing that it will be very hard for him to beat two young champions like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz who are expressing their full potential.
Djokovic chooses Wawrinka
Nole has further reduced his schedule so that he can get to the top of his shape at the most prestigious events on the calendar, but at the same time he is aware that he needs to play so as not to lose too much rhythm (it is no coincidence that he played the Athens ATP 250 this week).
In a long interview released during his stay in the Greek capital, he was asked to choose which of his biggest rivals was the most underrated player. “Most underrated player I ever faced, I mean Stan Wawrinka,” he replied. “I think he is very underappreciated and underrated, considering he is a three-time Grand Slam champion.
I think people often forget about him and what he’s achieved. He’s achieved more than 90% of the players ever in the history of the game” – the 24-time Grand Slam champion added.
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Rafael Nadal reflects on Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic: ‘Magic vs. machine’
Rafael Nadal visited the America Business Forum im Miami. The 22-time Major winner was honored with the key to the city of Florida, celebrating his sporting achievements and his impact beyond the court.
During the event, the Mallorcan inevitably looked back on the two men who defined his era and stood as his biggest rivals – Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. Rafa offered a thoughtful reflection on their contrasting strengths and shared passion for tennis.
Nadal embraced 100 duels against his greatest rivals, with no one knowing them better than him. Rafa spoke of Roger’s effortless artistry, describing the Swiss as a magical player whose natural inspiration and creativity brought beauty to the game.
Rafael Nadal tribute ceremony. Full version. 👑#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/YkFVybrKas
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 25, 2025
In contrast, Novak’s rise was powered by an unbreakable work ethic, an iron mental discipline and an insatiable hunger for victory. Having trailed behind his rivals for a couple of years, the Serb made an impressive rise in 2011, becoming the world’s most dominant player.
For Nadal, both legends pushed him to his physical and emotional limits. The matches against Federer and Djokovic shaped his career and the history of modern tennis.
Between 2004 and 2023, they have accomplished incredible things, with Djokovic extending the Big 3 legacy and standing strong at 38! During two decades, they transformed men’s tennis into a global spectacle of rivalry and mutual respect.
Roger, Rafa and Novak have won 66 Majors and nearly 300 ATP titles, collecting records that will take some beating and sharing pursuit of perfection.
Nadal words serve as a tribute and a reminder. Federer’s artistry, Djokovic’s endurance and his die-hard warrior spirit have built an era that may never be repeated, not even by Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
The Spaniard ended his career at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals following constant injuries and setbacks. This year in May, he gathered his greatest rivals in Paris, with Federer, Djokovic and Murray honoring the king of clay’s remarkable career.
Their matches were incredible, producing unmatched drama and passion. Years later, their mutual respect stand strong and grows bigger.
“Roger and Novak are two different personalities, but ultimately, they share a great passion and love for the sport. They are major rivals who pushed me to my limits all these years.
Roger was a somewhat more magical player in terms of pure talent and inspiration, while Novak is someone who is a bit more hardworking with a work ethic and a winning mentality that are difficult to surpass,” Rafael Nadal said.
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