In a candid new interview, Novak Djokovic has opened up about the challenges that prevented him from claiming more Grand Slam titles earlier in his career, attributing much of his struggle to the dominance of two of tennis’ biggest rivals – Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
The Serbian tennis icon, who has since cemented his place as one of the all-time greats with numerous Grand Slam victories, reflected on the era of fierce competition that existed in men’s tennis, particularly between him, Federer, and Nadal.
“I couldn’t get to win Grand Slams because of those two,” Djokovic confessed. “Roger and Rafa were always there, fighting for the same trophies, and it was incredibly tough to break through. At the time, they were at the peak of their games and so consistent.”
The 35-year-old went on to acknowledge the significant impact that both Federer and Nadal had on his own game, emphasizing that facing their unparalleled skill and determination shaped his mental toughness and elevated his play. “They pushed me to the limits, and I pushed them right back. I think we all improved each other’s level of tennis.”
Djokovic’s comments come at a time when he is on the brink of more history, looking to add to his record-breaking Grand Slam tally. With Federer having retired and Nadal now dealing with injuries that have kept him from competing regularly, Djokovic has been able to extend his reign in the sport.
Looking back on those early years of rivalry, Djokovic said, “There were moments when I thought I might never catch up. But those challenges also made me a better player and a better competitor. I think we all understand now that we’ve shaped tennis history together.”
As Djokovic continues to dominate, fans are left wondering whether he can add yet another chapter to his illustrious career, or if the next generation of stars will eventually overtake him, just as he did to Federer and Nadal in the 2010s.
