Novak Djokovic laments the lack of closeness with his biggest rivals

While Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are firm friends, Novak Djokovic has made a sad admission about his relationship with the duo.

Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.

Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have formed the most competitive, accomplished era in the history of men’s tennis.

In pure numbers, all three have won at least 20 grand slam singles titles, with daylight fourth and then Pete Sampras fifth with “just” 14 to his name, a record that seemed immense when the American set it back in 2002.

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Federer would begin his assault on that mark with his first title the following year, followed by Nadal in 2005 and Djokovic in 2008, with all three galloping past Sampras’ mark.

Federer was first to 20 and that’s where he finished, with Nadal sitting on 22 as he prepares for a comeback in Brisbane and Djokovic reaching an incredible 24 at this year’s US Open.

But there is one factor that separates the three greats — or rather Federer and Nadal from the Serbian — and it appears to bring Djokovic great sadness.

Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.

While Federer and Nadal overcame some early feistiness towards each other to become famous friends, the Serbian has been on the outside looking in.

And according to an interview he conducted with Sports Illustrated, Djokovic is desperate to join the gang.

Asked by SI’s Jon Wertheim if he can picture the “Big Three” having dinner together in 10 or 20 years’ time, Djokovic gave a fascinating insight into the ruthlessness that has taken him to the very top of the statistical tree.

“I would like to,” he said. “I would really like to. I mean, obviously, we didn’t get along so well throughout our careers, off the 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 your life or to how you feel because 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.

Djokovic has not always won over crowds when he’s on court. (Photo by LLUIS GENE / AFP)

“There’s always a huge amount of respect off the court because they have really defined me as the player that I am today.

“And all my success is also greatly owed to them and to the rivalries that we had.

“So yeah, I hope that one day when the curtains are slightly more closed, that we are able to sit down and reflect. It would be amazing.”

Federer and Nadal seemed to get closer the longer their careers unfolded.

It culminated in some incredibly emotional scenes when Federer retired at the 2022 Laver Cup following a loss in a doubles match alongside the Spaniard in the team competition.

Outside of Federer’s family and entourage, Nadal was the first person he told about his impending retirement and his desire to do it with his great rival.

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal after the Swiss star’s last match.

Federer and Nadal were deeply emotional, while Djokovic (top left) had a different reaction.

The two openly wept at times during a ceremony after the match.

Djokovic and Federer shared a hug, but there was none of the closeness enjoyed by the elder statesmen.

The debate over who is the greatest men’s tennis player of all time, or the GOAT, has been another intriguing sideplot to this record-breaking era.

Djokovic holds all the numerical records, including most majors and most weeks spent at No. 1, while others prefer the style of play and even the conduct of Federer or Nadal when discussing the best to ever do it.

For his part, Djokovic just believes the discussion is good for tennis.

Novak Djokovic is all motivated for the Australian Open!#AustralianOpen#AO#Nole#Djoko#Djokovic#365scorespic.twitter.com/1LAZydIwGq

— 365Scores (@365Scores) December 12, 2023

“There’s obviously different definitions and opinions and comparing the eras,” Djokovic said.

“Whether you take only numbers or stats, it’s very difficult to compare obviously an era where you play with a wooden racquet and nowadays.

“And where they couldn’t travel by plane before so much and we can travel anywhere today and play more tournaments. So it’s all very relative.

“I know fans love it (the GOAT debate). And I think it’s great that there is a big discussion on that because, ultimately, all of us in tennis want more attention.

“We want more people, more younger generations to come in and get interested in watching tennis, debating about who is the greatest, who has the most titles, or comparing eras and stuff like this.”

Originally published as Novak Djokovic laments the lack of closeness with his biggest rivals