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Novak Djokovic’s ascent to tennis greatness has been nothing short of extraordinary. Defined by his fierce and storied rivalries with Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, the Serbian legend has carved out his place in history as one of the most dominant players to ever grace the court. While Djokovic now stands alone with 24 Grand Slam titles—surpassing both Nadal and Federer—it’s the evolution of his relationship with the duo that’s drawing attention.
In a candid conversation on the (Ne)uspjeh Prvaka YouTube channel, Djokovic opened up about how the dynamic among the "Big Three" shifted over time. From mutual admiration to moments of emotional distance, the 38-year-old revealed that fame, competitiveness, and perceptions played major roles in reshaping their bond.
Novak Djokovic felt the chill
Despite being arguably the most successful of the trio, Djokovic has long carried the label of the “outsider” in terms of fan affection. Federer and Nadal were often viewed as tennis’s beloved figures, while Djokovic’s journey was met with skepticism and, at times, divided support.
Still, Djokovic says his respect for both men never wavered—even when things got cold.
“My attitude toward them in that sense never changed. The situation changed because their attitude towards me changed,” Novak Djokovic admitted. “I always tried to be, how should I put it? I looked up to them.”
It was Roger Federer, in particular, whom Djokovic admired early on.
“I still look at them as people who paved the way for me, especially Federer, who is six years older than me. The moment I felt that coldness and distance from him, I said okay, no problem.”
Rafael Nadal: A rival, but also a peer
While his relationship with Federer seemed to cool at times, Djokovic expressed a warmer, more personal connection with Rafael Nadal.
“Now they’ve both retired and with Nadal, I have always kind of understood him better. We’re about the same age, so maybe that is why.”
The two may have battled in some of the sport’s most brutal and unforgettable matches, but there appears to be a level of mutual empathy and understanding that comes with their shared journey, age, and battles on the tour.
From challenger to champion
Novak Djokovic’s breakout season came in 2011, when he captured three Grand Slam titles and compiled a stunning 10–1 record against Roger Federer and Nadal combined. That year marked a turning point—not just in terms of his dominance on the court, but also in how he was perceived by fans and peers alike.
Since then, Djokovic has added every major title to his resume, including an Olympic gold medal in 2024. His legacy is cemented. Yet, for all the trophies, it’s the emotional complexities of his journey with Federer and Rafael Nadal that continue to captivate the public.
The bigger picture
While personal dynamics may have fluctuated, Novak Djokovic’s reverence for his legendary rivals remains unshaken. His openness about the emotional toll of those shifts adds a human layer to a player often seen through the lens of numbers and titles.
For tennis fans, it’s a reminder that beneath the records and rivalries lie stories of ambition, vulnerability, and the ever-shifting nature of respect.
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