Tel Aviv, September 29 (BUS): Novak Djokovic has said he wants his biggest rival to be on his side when the curtain comes down on his career, like Roger Federer’s emotional farewell to the match last week.
Pictures of Federer and Rafa Nadal – who share one of tennis’ most exciting rivalries – sitting together and crying after a double defeat in the Laver Cup at London’s O2 Arena on Friday, went viral on social media.
Djokovic and Andy Murray – two of Federer’s other main rivals – were also present in the 41-year-old’s final arc.
“It was just a very moving and very emotional moment,” Djokovic told reporters on Tuesday in Tel Aviv, where he will play the ATP 250 Championship this week.
“Seeing his children and family, it made me feel emotional too. I must also say that I was thinking about what it would be like for me to say goodbye to tennis.
“There is definitely one thing I would like to have, other than, of course, my family and the people close in my life, I would like to have my biggest rivals and competitors there. Because it added something more special, and added more significance to that moment.”
The 35-year-old, one of the major titles behind Nadal’s record of 22, said he did not feel any problems in his wrist, which was bothering him during the Laver Cup in London last week.
Djokovic said the Spaniard remains his biggest rival.
“We’ve played more matches against each other than any other competition in tennis history,” said Djokovic, who missed the Australian and US openers this year due to not being vaccinated against COVID-19.
“The rivalry is very special and it continues. We hope we get the chance to play against each other more often. Because it’s exciting for us as well as for tennis fans and sports fans all over the world.”