Novak Djokovic is opening up about his relationship with fellow tennis stars Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, admitting that it’s often strained.
Djokovic — whose 24 Grand Slam titles are the most of anyone in history — covers GQ for their February issue and told the magazine he has an “up and down” relationship with Federer and Nadal.
“Well, I don’t see them. I don’t see them much. But the rivalry that we had between the three of us, the rivalries are eternal, I think. It’s just something that leaves an incredible mark and legacy on this sport. Something that will last forever. Something that I’m very proud of, very happy to be part of that group,” Djokovic, 37, said.
The tennis champion, who won his first Olympic gold medal at the Paris Games last summer, explained that despite the professional fuel the trio’s relationship has given him, off the court he isn’t particularly close with his fellow Grand Slam champions.
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“And privately it’s kind of going up and down, to be honest. I try to be always respectful and friendly to them off the court. But I didn’t have the acceptance early on, ’cause I did go out on the court saying and showing that I’m confident that I want to win. And I don’t think that both of them maybe liked that in the early days,” Djokovic told the outlet.
“And because of that confident stance, they probably were even more distanced from me. And that’s fine. I accepted it as it is. I understood the messaging that I got, which was we are rivals and nothing else,” Djokovic said.
He continued, adding, “And to be quite frank, it’s very difficult to be a friend on the tour. If you are biggest rivals, and you’re constantly competing and you’re number one and two and three in the world, and for you to be close, go for dinners and family trips, it’s tough to expect that, to be honest.”
Djokovic told the outlet that he is hopeful that the three will become closer at some point, despite the current distance between them.
“And actually I do wish to connect with those guys more, on a deeper level. I really do. Whether that’s going to happen or not, I don’t know if they share the same desire or willingness. I do,” he said.
Djokovic is getting ready to compete in the Australian Open, which kicks off Saturday — this time with former rival and retired tennis star Andy Murray as his coach.
“I’m going to be joining Novak’s team in the offseason, helping him to prepare for the Australian Open. I’m really excited for it and looking forward to spending time on the same side of the net as Novak for a change, helping him to achieve his goals,” Murray, 37, said in a statement in November.
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