Djokovic describes his rivalry with Federer and Nadal: "It is one of the greatest in all of sports"

Novak Djokovic is one of the greatest winners in the history of sports. A privileged and voracious mind, honed from the depths of a Serbia marked by trenches, shaped by the ambition to leave a mark in a country eager for heroes and epic figures. His legend has been largely shaped by the existing rivalry with Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, usual suspects of epics that have marked a whole generation of tennis fans. How can you not keep a magnificent memory of that part of your life, now that the hatchet of war has been buried?

"One of the greatest rivalries in the history of sports". That's how Nole defines, without mincing words, an unforgettable era. He did so in a fantastic and extensive interview with LA NACION, where he addressed multiple topics of great interest and delved into the invisible thread that has linked his conquests to those of Rafa and Roger. "I am proud to have been part of it all. Before 2011, I was unable to win Grand Slams because of their presence; they dominated the entire circuit. Those years, between 2008 and 2011, were crucial for my growth. They fueled in me a greater hunger for victory, especially when facing them.", Djokovic emphasizes firmly. He also mentioned the victory in the 2010 Davis Cup as "a turning point" for the subsequent successes.

Nole also dedicates a very emotional chapter to Federer's farewell in London, admitting that he "did not think" he would be "so moved." "It was a sad moment because Roger is an icon of our sport. I didn't think it would impact me that way, but at that moment... you feel like a part of you is leaving with him. Just as Cristiano Ronaldo said about Messi: they were 'stage companions.' In a way, we were too. For many years, I saw them more than my mother.", notes the Serb, emphasizing the generational impact of the confrontations among the three: "These rivalries attract millions of people to our sport, even those who are not avid tennis fans become fans of one of us. These rivalries are extremely important for the history of the sport. People said there was no room for a third, but then we created the most wonderful trio tennis has ever seen."

THE LATENT MOTIVATION AND THE TREMENDOUS IMPACT OF THE WAR

It is currently essential to question Djokovic about the motivation he may feel in the final stretch of his career. He won everything, culminating with a thrilling victory in the final of the Paris Olympic Games. Is there still a hunger in the wolf's gaze? The answer, of course, is affirmative... and it silences the rumors of an imminent retirement, especially with the departure of his other great adventures companion, Rafael Nadal.

"Deep down, I still feel like I have a few more Grand Slams to win. That's what drives me to continue, to feel that I can still do it, in addition to playing the Davis Cup for Serbia. Also, tennis remains my greatest platform to share the messages that interest me the most. I still enjoy the process and all it gives me; perhaps some believe I should retire with the Olympic gold, at the top. Others, on the contrary, think I should continue as long as I am still a Grand Slam contender. I lean towards the latter. Maybe I'll change my mind soon, but right now, I feel like I want to continue. I'm sorry for those who want me to retire, but I still have some time left."

The final message portrays the most daring Djokovic, the one who still has an inner fire stronger than ever, ready to silence those who have lost faith in him. Nevertheless, it's always worth observing, since they both coexist, the most human Novak. The person aware of the difficulties of his childhood, who describes tennis as the only vehicle through which his family and he have this life, who thanks this sport for pulling him out of a cruel war.

"Tennis saved and improved my life and that of my family." This statement comes from Belgrade and hits hard, resonating directly in the Balkans. "Did you know that Belgrade is the European city that has been destroyed and rebuilt the most times?", Novak points out, acknowledging that war is "a horror, the worst thing you can experience." "I wouldn't wish it on anyone, despite it strengthening us as individuals, me and my family. No one should endure a war for their mental development. Just remembering the war gives me chills; it's a horrible feeling. The worst sensation is that of fear and lack of control". Control, ironic twist of fate, that he would later exert over his rivals for over two decades on a tennis court. This is Novak Djokovic, a wolf born from war who still promises hopes and maintains the motivation intact to further enlarge his legend. 

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