5 wholesome things Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic have said about each other over the years
Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer have not only achieved the status of being the best as individual tennis players but are also well-known and admired for the trio they formed with Rafael Nadal as the Big 3. In this regard, their rivalry has not just produced some of the best tennis matches of all time, but also reflects healthy competition and a deep sense of sportsmanship.
Federer and Djokovic along with Nadal dominated the international tennis circuit for almost two decades and throughout this journey, these tennis legends have formed a bond that seems to exist beyond the tennis court.
The Swiss and the Serb have faced each other 50 times on the court with the latter leading 27-23. However, be it their post-match conferences or other important events/milestones, the two have often had heartwarming things to say about each other.
Let's take a look at a few such wholesome things that Federer and Djokovic have said about each other over the years.
#5 "Hopefully, you know, Novak can go and crush every record" - Roger Federer
Roger Federer bid adieu to tennis at the Laver Cup in 2022 and was joined by his long-term rivals Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray as part of Team Europe.
The Swiss recently appeared on an episode of Trevor Noah's podcast "What Now with Trevor Noah" and delved into his documentary "Federer: Twelve Final Days" which was released earlier this year. He also spoke about his rivalry with the other members of the Big 4 and shared his views on their place in the tennis circuit at the moment.
Federer said:
"Hopefully, you know, Novak can go and crush every record, I mean Murray can play as long as his hip allows him to and he still has the hunger. Rafa knew that he was in a tough spot as well and he knows that he can still win as much possible and here I am, one of their big rival going out and seeing it live in slow motion almost go out and it was tough ... I think the movie is going to be really beautiful of showing that." (45:49)
#4 "What he has achieved over the years and what he's still showing on the court is phenomenal. I mean, he's a role model even for me that I'm one of his rivals" - Novak Djokovic
During the 2019 ATP Finals, three years before Federer sought retirement, he surprisingly defeated Djokovic in straight sets (6-4, 6-3) and entered the semifinals.
Despite the loss, the Serb only had good things to say about the then-38-year-old. Talking about Federer's performance, Djokovic said (via ASAP Sports):
"Well, it motivates me. I mean, it shows me it's possible. No, I mean, well, I have utmost admiration for him and everything he's doing on the court. What he has achieved over the years and what he's still showing on the court is phenomenal."
"I mean, he's a role model even for me that I'm one of his rivals and, you know, [he is] one of the toughest opponents I had in my career. You know, looking at his career and what he still is doing, it just inspires you," he added.
#3 "I'm the player I am today because of him [Federer]" - Novak Djokovic
Ahead of the second edition of the Laver Cup in 2018, Djokovic shared his excitement about making his debut at the event and playing doubles with Federer. He also heaped praises on the Swiss and spoke about his impact on his career.
Djokovic said (via Sky Sports):
"I'm the player I am today because of him [Federer]."
He also spoke about partnering with the Swiss against the then-World No. 1 doubles players Jack Sock and Kevin Anderson.
"We're very excited for this unique experience," Djokovic said. "We never played doubles together so this is what this competition is all about, bringing us all together."
#2 "It has been a pleasure to play against Djokovic and he’s one of the players who have made me a better player" - Roger Federer
In March 2021, Novak Djokovic beat Federer's record in terms of the most number of weeks spent as World No.1 as he surpassed the Swiss' 310 weeks and entered his 311th, a number that has now gone up to 428.
This was a historical moment for not just Djokovic but the tennis fraternity in general and Federer was among the many individuals who celebrated this milestone with Djokovic.
Federer spoke with Qatar Tennis during an Instagram Live Session and said (via India Today):
"Against the best players you know you have to bring your best game. Otherwise, it will not be enough. Especially against somebody like Novak, who can go into a mode where he is not going to miss. He can defend very well and be aggressive, he has a very good balance."
"That's why he is one of the greatest players ever. It has been a pleasure to play against him and he's one of the players who have made me a better player. It's great to have him in the game," he added.
#1 "Your career has set the tone for what it means to achieve excellence and lead with integrity and poise. It’s an honour to know you on and off court, and for many more years to come" - Novak Djokovic
Roger Federer's decision to bid adieu to tennis was not just an emotional moment for the tennis star and his fans but for the entire tennis fraternity, including his arch-rivals.
Djokovic was among the list of sportspersons who expressed his respect and admiration for the 20-time Grand Slam champion and took to social media to talk about the same.
In a heartfelt post shared on Instagram, Djokovic said:
"Roger it’s hard to see this day and put into words all that we’ve shared in this sport together. Over a decade of incredible moments and battles to think back on. Your career has set the tone for what it means to achieve excellence and lead with integrity and poise. It’s an honour to know you on and off court, and for many more years to come."
He also wished Federer and his family well for the new chapter and the "amazing things" awaiting them.
Notably, Federer's last Grand Slam final, the 2019 Wimbledon Championships, was against the Serb who defeated him in a thrilling five-set encounter.