Tennis courts aren’t just about fierce battles and intense rallies; they’re also home to playful banter and lighthearted moments, showcasing the camaraderie among the players despite the competition. One such fun exchange lit up the ongoing Shanghai Masters, where Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic found themselves in a cheeky situation that had everyone laughing.

The Serbian sensation played against Jakub Mensik in the quarterfinals of the Shanghai Masters. Despite being ranked 61 points Nole, Mensik ensured to give him a tough battle, even though he failed to win the match. He baffled Nole in the first set of the match to win it 7-6(4). But Djokovic depicted yet again why he is one of the greatest players in the arena and continued to win the next two sets, thereby concluding the match, 6(4)-7, 6-1, 6-4. But what followed after the match was even more interesting. 

As Djokovic walked off the court, he was awaited by none other than Federer. On seeing Nole, Federer immediately made a playful remark. “Hey Old Man,” he said to Djokovic. This left the Serbian smiling who was then seen shaking hands and exchanging a warm hug with the tennis legend. Interestingly, these scenes speak a lot about the evolution of Djokovic and Federer’s friendship.

The initial bonds that Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer had were not straightforward enough. Novak Djokovic even highlighted this in an interview and said, “I know certainly Federer didn’t like the way I was behaving at the beginning. I think it didn’t sit with him well.” The community also witnessed Federer and Nole engaging in cold gestures for each other.

Federer in fact admitted this in the latest Amazon production, ‘FEDERER: Twelve Final Days.’ He retrospected his thoughts about the Serb and said, “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.” However, the bond between them has now witnessed significant changes. 

The Swiss Maestro has shown immense respect for Nole ever since he bade adieu to the sport. “He ironed those things out super well and became an unbelievable monster of a player,” he admitted lauding his opponent’s skills. Meanwhile, despite the rivalry they shared, Djokovic did not fail to write an endearing message for Federer when the latter hung up his racquets. 

When Novak Djokovic sent a lovely message to Roger Federer

Roger Federer hung up his racquets in 2022 at the Laver Cup. There was not a single dry eye at the stadium as the tennis world bade adieu to one of the greatest players of the sport. Similar reactions were witnessed from Novak Djokovic as well who shared an endearing message for the legendary star. 

Djokovic took to Instagram and shared a heartfelt message for the Swiss. “Roger, it’s hard to see this day and put into words all that we’ve shared in this sport together. Your career has set the tone for what it means to achieve excellence and lead with integrity and poise…” Continuing further, he highlighted how amazing it was for him to have played against him and spent time with and against him on the courts. 

“I know that this new chapter will hold amazing things for you, Mirka, the kids, all your loved ones, and Roger fans still have a lot to look forward to,” he said further. As the Shanghai Masters continue to unfold, it would be interesting to see if Federer and Djokovic engage in more such friendly moments.