Novak Djokovic wants Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal to “sit down and reflect” with him in the future. The 36-year-old, who won a record-extending 24th Grand Slam title when he lifted the US Open trophy in September, has enjoyed fierce battles with both players throughout his illustrious career but has admitted they “are not friends.”
Djokovic faced Federer in five Grand Slam finals before the Swiss star retired from tennis last year. And the Serbian won four of those encounters. But Djokovic was beaten by Nadal in five of the nine Grand Slam finals the duo faced each other. Meanwhile, Federer and Nadal played against each other in nine major finals, with the Spaniard winning six of them.
Nadal started the year at the top of the men’s all-time Grand Slam title leaderboard after winning his 20th Major trophy at the 2022 French Open. But the 37-year-old has been toppled this year by Djokovic, who clinched the Australian Open, French Open and US Open titles.
And Djokovic has spoken about the rivalry between the trio during an interview with 60 Minutes host Jon Wertheim.
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When quizzed about having a friendly future with the players, he explained: “I would like to. I would really like to. Personally, I would like to. I mean, I know that obviously we didn’t get along so well throughout our careers in, like, off court.
“And we are not friends because, you know, we’re rivals and it’s difficult as competitors to be very close and kind of share and give insights to you know, to your life or to how you feel because, you know, it could be used against you.
“But we have shared the stage for so many years. And I think the greatest respect is always there, at least from my side, towards them. So yeah, I hope that one day, when the curtains are slightly more closed, that we are, yeah, able to sit down and, and reflect. It would be amazing.”
Djokovic’s latest interview is set to be screened on US TV station CBS as well as on streaming platform Paramount+ on Sunday evening. And Djokovic added: “I love winning. There is no doubt about it. I’m inspired and motivated by records. I mean, for me, that’s completely normal. Like, being honest about it and being your authentic self, and expressing what you feel. I’m just trying to be true to myself and to others and say what my goals and objectives are. So it’s as simple as that.”
