“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.” Due to their success Djokovic has spent a lot of time around Federer and Nadal, but the Serbian doesn’t see them as friends as he’s spent too long treating them as arch-rivals.
“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,” Djokovic added. “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 reflect. It would be amazing.” Federer retired from the sport in 2022 and Nadal is looking for a comeback in 2023, as he’s been named on the entry list for the Australian Open.
With Djokovic still firing, it’s likely that if the 37-year-old Nadal is wanting a winning return he will have to face the Serbian at some stage. Nadal’s biggest threat remains himself though, as the Spaniard continues to battle injuries.
