"Roger Federer has been special, but with Novak Djokovic too, I have a good relationship" - Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal has opened up about his positive personal relationships with arch-rivals Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. The Spaniard made the remarks after arriving in Riyadh for the Six Kings Slam exhibition, where he will be joined by Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Daniil Medvedev, Holger Rune, and the Serb.
Nadal recently announced his decision to step away from the sport at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals. He took the opportunity to pay tribute to his greatest rivals during the emotional video, expressing gratitude for the countless hours they had spent together, which were etched in his memory.
Federer and Djokovic also sent heartfelt messages to the Spaniard, celebrating their storied rivalries. The Swiss legend admitted that he had hoped that the end of the 38-year-old's incredible career would never come but emphasized that it had been an "absolute honor" to share so many unforgettable moments.
In a recent interview with DAZN, Rafael Nadal was asked about how he managed to develop such a close bond with Roger Federer despite their intense rivalry. In response, the Spaniard acknowledged his "special" connection with Federer but also highlighted his good relationship with Novak Djokovic.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion explained that such bonds were possible because he recognized that there were more important things in life beyond tennis. Nadal also expressed his belief that having a good relationship with his fellow players was vital to being "happier."
"Of course, with Roger Federer has been special, but with Novak too, I have a good relationship. It's the way that you approach the sport I think. That's possible because in the end, that's possible because, as I said before, we understand that that's all you get. In life, we have many more important things outside of tennis," Nadal said.
"At the end of the day, if you have a good relationship with the colleagues, with the people who are next to you or with the people in general, without a doubt in my experience, you will be happier. So at the end tennis is only a game, relationships go beyond that," he added.
"Part of me left with them" - Novak Djokovic 'overwhelmed' by Rafael Nadal joining Roger Federer and Andy Murray in retirement
The camaraderie between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal was evident in the 24-time Grand Slam champion's emotional tribute to the Spaniard. In an interview at the Shanghai Masters, Djokovic admitted that it was "overwhelming" to be the last man standing with his "greatest rival" joining Roger Federer and Andy Murray in retirement.
"He’s been my greatest rival. The rivalry I had with him has impacted me the most in my career by far. I mean, we knew that the moment is coming sooner than later. But it’s still a shock. When it came officially, also for Roger a few years ago as well, when he announced retirement.. Andy as well this year.. it’s a bit overwhelming for me to be honest," Djokovic said.
The Serb admitted that while he still enjoyed competing, a "big part" of him felt lost with the retirements of his arch-rivals. He emphasized that Nadal's decision to end his career was a tough blow to the tennis community.
"I don’t know what to make of it. I still enjoy competing. But part of me left with them.. a big part of me. It’s tough news for the tennis world, for the sports world. Rafa has been an inspiration for millions of children around the world," he added.
Novak Djokovic has also promised to be present for Rafael Nadal's farewell at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga. The highly anticipated event is scheduled to commence on November 19, with Spain taking on the Netherlands.