?Contributed a Lot to the Player I Am Today?- Novak Djokovic Owes His Success to Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal

Roger Federer will soon mark the end of his marvelous 24-year-long career. Everyone, including himself, was looking forward to his comeback. However, Federer’s physical state had other plans. The Swiss maestro, after two knee surgeries and a year-long recovery period, has finally decided to move away from the sport. And the pain of losing a fellow big three player was clearly evident in a recent interview of Novak Djokovic.

The Serbian tennis ace, while speaking to the press prior to the Laver Cup, expressed his feeling regarding Federer’s farewell. He also opened up about the role that the 20-time Grand slam champion has played in his life.

Federer’s pivotal role in Djokovic’s career

Djokovic, while addressing the press, stumbled upon the question of the impact Federer will leave behind and how he affected his career. To which he responded, “considering what I have personally gone through on the court with Roger over the years. At the beginning of my career, I was losing most of the matches against Roger and Rafa and the Grand Slams. They have contributed a lot to the player I am today to figuring out how to turn the table.”

Thereafter, he added, “So I am very grateful to be a part of that era. On a personal level, you know it’s different. It’s just a sad for tennis but just sport in general. Roger’s legacy will live forever.” Federer will say goodbye to professional tennis post this season’s Laver Cup.

Read more: VIDEO: Novak Djokovic Performs a Never-Seen-Before Drill With Perfection While Working on His Volleys

Further, this will be the first and the last time the big four, Federer, Nadal, Djokovic and Andy Murray, will compete for Team Europe. Also, apart from these four, the Norwegian young blood Casper Ruud, former World no.3 Stefanos Tsitsipas and Australian Open semifinalist Matteo Berrettini, will be in Team Europe’s roster.

The tournament held in the O2 arena of London will start on Friday. Ruud, Murray and Tsitsipas will play the opening singles matches for Europe. Whereas in doubles, Federer-Nadal duo will lock horns with the American pair of Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe.

Good news for Novak Djokovic fans

The 21-time Grand Slam champion after missing the chance to defend his title in this season’s Australian Open is all set to make a comeback. Djokovic‘s vaccination crisis is about to end. The Australian government has decided to bring amendments that will favor the entry of unvaccinated athletes into the nation.

As soon as the 35-year-old files a request, the three-year ban will be lifted. And the nine times champion can compete for his 10th title in the hard courts of Melbourne.

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