has revealed it could be ‘not possible’ to be pals with regardless of his immense respect for the Spaniard. The duo are essentially the most profitable gamers in tennis historical past and have competed collectively on the high of tennis for over 15 years nevertheless this has not led to a friendship away from the court docket.
Djokovic and Nadal are competing to be thought-about the best participant in tennis historical past and have every gathered 22 Grand Slam titles throughout their distinguished careers. The duo have confronted one another 59 occasions with the Serb holding a slim 30-29 lead however Nadal has had the benefit when it issues most, main 11-7 in main tournaments together with 5-4 in main finals.
Consequently, they've naturally come throughout one another steadily through the years however Djokovic has admitted that this has not led to an off-court friendship regardless of the ‘respect’ and ‘gratitude’ that he has for his rival.
“Nadal is barely a 12 months older than me, we're each Geminis, at first we even went to dinner collectively, twice,” Djokovic advised Italian publication . “However even with him, friendship is not possible.
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“I've at all times revered and significantly admired him. Due to him and Federer, I grew up and have become who I'm. This can unite us endlessly; due to this fact I really feel gratitude in direction of them. Nadal is part of my life, within the final fifteen years I've seen extra of him than my mum!”
Djokovic additionally admitted that he had by no means actually been pals with Federer as he recommended that friendship between rivals is at all times tough.
“We've by no means been pals,” he defined. “Between rivals, it's not doable, however we have now by no means been enemies. I've at all times had respect for Federer, he was one of many best of all time. He had a unprecedented impression, however I've by no means been near him."
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Djokovic’s present focus is on the Italian Open the place he'll play British No 1 within the spherical of 16 on Tuesday. Nevertheless, his consideration will quickly flip to the which will get underway on the finish of the month as he seems so as to add a twenty third main title to his trophy cupboard.
Nadal’s participation in his favorite match is in critical doubt because the Spaniard struggles with a hip damage, doubtlessly giving Djokovic a greater shot on the title.