‘Didn’t Have the Acceptance’—Novak Djokovic Lifts the Lid on Rocky Ties With Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal

If tennis were a country, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer would undoubtedly be its crowned icons, etched onto its currency for their unparalleled contributions. The “Big 3” didn’t just dominate the courts—they defined an era of legendary rivalry and brilliance that fans will cherish forever. But beyond the titles and epic showdowns, one question has always lingered: What’s the real story behind their off-court bond? While Federer and Nadal have often shared a visible camaraderie, Djokovic has been seen keeping a noticeable distance. Why, you ask? Well, Nole has finally broken his silence, and his response has everyone talking.

The Serbian legend engaged in an interaction with GQ magazine as he participated in a photo shoot for its cover page. Nole deliberated on a wide range of factors including his life as an athlete and his bonds with other icons of the sport. Detailing his relationships with Federer and Nadal, Djokovic made an honest admission and shared that it was not possible to have a very strong camaraderie with them, given the rivalry they shared on the courts. Ultimately, he admitted that he also failed to witness their acceptance during his initial days.

In the candid interview, Djokovic said, “Privately it’s kind of going up and down, to be honest. I try to be always respectful and friendly to them off the court. But I didn’t have the acceptance early on, ’cause I did go out on the court saying and showing that I’m confident that I want to win. And I don’t think that both of them maybe liked that in the early days. Particularly because most of the players were going out to play them, not to win. And because of that confident stance, they probably were even more distanced from me.” When it comes to Nadal and Federer, they shared a close bond. The Swiss Maestro, in fact, revealed that his Spanish counterpart was one of the first people he dialed to share the news of his retirement. However, when it came to Djokovic, the dynamics were not the same.

Federer even acknowledged that he did not even duly regard Djokovic during his early days: “I think I didn’t give Novak the respect he deserved because of his technical flaws. I felt like Novak had a very extreme forehand grip and his backhand for me wasn’t as fluid as it is nowadays”. While this understanding changed over the years, the initial dynamics did not convert into a very strong friendship. For Nole, that did not really make a difference. “And that’s fine. I accepted it as it is. I understood the messaging that I got, which was we are rivals and nothing else,” he said further in the interview. 

Djokovic also shared that for the players in the Top 3, who exchanged a remarkable on-court rivalry, it was quite difficult to bond off of it and engage in activities like dinners or family trips. Notably, this is not the first time when Djokovic has shared his strong sentiments over the topic. 

In an interaction with The Tennis Channel in 2023, Djokovic shared that he did not enjoy close ties with Federer and Nadal. “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 you know, to your life or to how you feel because, you know, it could be used against you,” he said. But now, all these seem to be a matter of the past. Despite not sharing very friendly bonds, they have found mutual high regard and one such emblematic statement came from Federer. 

When Roger Federer lauded Novak Djokovic’s heroics on the tennis circuit

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have already hung up their rackets, leaving behind Novak Djokovic as the only active member of the Big 3. And now, all the rivalries they have shared have become a matter of the past, despite remaining evergreen in the hearts and minds of fans. In fact, they have expressed high regard for each other and one such moment came in 2023.

Novak Djokovic won his 23rd Grand Slam at Roland Garros, surpassing the record of 22 titles that he had then jointly held with Nadal. And one of the loudest voices to hail his achievement was Federer’s. “I thought what Novak did is incredible,” said Federer. “Honestly, it’s great for tennis, great for sports when tennis writes its own history and keeps on adding to it like we’ve seen with Serena Williams as well, Rafa then myself and now with Novak.” Continuing further, Federer shared that he couldn’t be happier over Djokovic’s feat.

“I think also the way he’s doing it still – he isn’t the youngest anymore, we forget. He looks young and he does it in a young way, but it’s not easy, and I thought it was an amazing victory. So I couldn’t have been more happy,” he added.  Now, as time evolves, it will be interesting to see if the bond enters into new dimensions and reshapes how we view the dynamics of tennis’ greatest trio!