Novak Djokovic admits he won’t ever be pals with Rafael Nadal

Novak Djokovic has revealed it might be ‘impossible’ to be pals with Rafael Nadal regardless of his immense respect for the Spaniard. The duo are essentially the most profitable gamers in tennis historical past and have competed collectively on the prime of tennis for over 15 years nevertheless this has not led to a friendship away from the court docket.

Djokovic and Nadal are competing to be thought-about the best participant in tennis historical past and have every accrued 22 Grand Slam titles throughout their distinguished careers. The duo have confronted one another 59 instances with the Serb holding a slim 30-29 lead however Nadal has had the benefit when it issues most, main 11-7 in main tournaments together with 5-4 in main finals.

As a end result, they’ve naturally come throughout one another continuously over time however Djokovic has admitted that this has not led to an off-court friendship regardless of the ‘respect’ and ‘gratitude’ that he has for his rival.

“Nadal is only a year older than me, we are both Geminis, at first we even went to dinner together, twice,” Djokovic informed Italian publication Corriere Della Sera. “But even with him, friendship is impossible.

“I have always respected and greatly admired him. Thanks to him and Federer, I grew up and became who I am. This will unite us forever; therefore I feel gratitude towards them. Nadal is a part of my life, in the last fifteen years I’ve seen more of him than my mum!”

Djokovic additionally admitted that he had by no means actually been pals with Federer as he recommended that friendship between rivals is all the time troublesome.

“We have never been friends,” he defined. “Between rivals, it’s not potential, however now we have by no means been enemies. I’ve all the time had respect for Federer, he was one of many biggest of all time. He had a rare influence, however I’ve by no means been near him.”

Djokovic’s present focus is on the Italian Open the place he’ll play British No 1 Cameron Norrie within the spherical of 16 on Tuesday. However, his consideration will quickly flip to the French Open which will get underway on the finish of the month as he appears so as to add a twenty third main title to his trophy cupboard.

Nadal’s participation in his favorite match is in severe doubt because the Spaniard struggles with a hip harm, probably giving Djokovic a greater shot on the title.