Rafael Nadal sat down for an intimate conversation with Movistar on September 18 after being sidelined since suffering a hip injury during the Australian Open earlier this year. Although the main subject of the entire interview was Nadal’s comeback plan, his controversial statements regarding Novak Djokovic gained the most traction.
Djokovic tied Margaret Court for the record number of Majors won in both men’s and women’s tennis when he won the 2023 US Open to earn his 24th Grand Slam victory. If Nadal does not compete at Wimbledon, he only plans to play two more grand slams, and hopefully, The Paris Olympics in 2024, making it seem difficult for him to surpass Djokovic.
“The hope is not to come back and win Roland-Garros or win Australian Open. So that people don’t get confused. At this moment, all of this is very far away.”
Rafael Nadal, on @MovistarPlus pic.twitter.com/DXo3slODAI
— We Are Tennis (@WeAreTennis) September 18, 2023
The Spaniard admitted he had not yet wished Nole for the unbelievable feat he achieved just out of “pure ignorance.” When asked about his rival’s 24th Grand Slam triumph, Nadal responded that Novak Djokovic may have been frustrated if he didn’t hold the record for most Grand Slam victories. He reasoned his comment by saying that he is much more passionate and intense about the sport than Rafa himself is.
🇪🇸 Rafael Nadal speaking tonight, on Novak Djokovic and Major events in general [in Spanish]:
“I think Djokovic lives it in a more intense way. For him, it would have been a greater frustration not to achieve it [the Major Tally]”
Source: Movistar+ 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/ezPjsn7nB5
— Olly 🎾🇬🇧 (@Olly_Tennis_) September 18, 2023
He continued by asserting that Djokovic’s level of fitness is the reason why he is more successful than him. Nadal admitted that he has missed a lot of matches due to ailments. Rafa said that in the big picture, the ways he and Novak approach the game differently. That particular difference may have contributed greatly to bringing both their career to where it is today.
While Rafa made it clear that he doesn’t harbor sweet feelings for Djokovic, Nole isn’t behind Rafa on either. Nole admitted that he doesn’t miss either Rafa or Federer on the court. Djokovic admitted he would prefer to stay concentrated on his game rather.
Rafael Nadal admitted he shares a much more personal relationship with Roger Federer
The 22-time Grand Slam winner also admitted that he keeps messaging fellow countryman Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz. Rafa also revealed that he makes sure to stay in touch with Roger Federer, his only friend from the circuit. However, the generation gap in the sport prevents him from making any other new acquaintances on the circuit.
In the world of tennis, Nadal and Federer have developed one of the most well-known and talked-about rivalries. Their transformation from enemies to allies has been a remarkable story of respect and shared experiences. Their relationship has changed the tennis world forever. They both have faced each other 40 times during their careers.
Roger Federer on his last day on court reminded the world that you can be the greatest of rivals but still be closest of friends. Rafael Nadal, true champion. Lesson for those who think that sports is war. @rogerfederer @RafaelNadal pic.twitter.com/SSfRHB83Uc
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) September 24, 2022
Their journey started as rivals of the highest order and ended by playing together for Federer’s last match. As they both teamed up to face off against the Americans, their once-rivalry seemed to blossom into the most beautiful friendship. Their bond was put up for showcase as they both cried as Federer announced his retirement.
The recent interview also proved that Rafael Nadal shares a good relationship only with the Swizz. Although Novak and Roger both have been the greatest rivals for the Spaniard, only one of them could be promoted to the position of a friend.
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