Novak Djokovic on potential friendship with Rafael Nadal
Novak Djokovic has revealed his desire to maintain a friendly relationship with Rafael Nadal throughout their retirement years.
Djokovic is in Paris, France, for the Paris Masters in 2023. He is set to begin his campaign on Wednesday, November 1, after obtaining a first-round bye. He has previously won the ATP Masters 1000 tournament six times.
The Serb recently spoke with French media outlet C a vous on his friendship with Rafael Nadal.
“Rafael Nadal is a very special player for me; he isn’t my friend, but we respect each other.” “I hope we can have a drink on the beach and talk about life after our careers,” he remarked. (translated)
"Rafael Nadal est un joueur très spécial pour moi, ce n'est pas trop mon ami mais on a du respect l’un pour l’autre. J'espère qu'après notre carrière, on pourra se faire un verre sur la plage, parler de la vie."
— C à vous (@cavousf5) October 30, 2023
Nadal/Djokovic, adversité ou amitié : @DjokerNole dans #CàVous pic.twitter.com/iDLetAUTTK
The pair have created a battle for the ages, exchanging forehands and backhands on 59 occasions. With 30 victories to the Spaniard’s 29, the Serb presently holds a slim lead in the head-to-head record.
Nadal, on the other hand, has a better Grand Slam record versus the 36-year-old, with an 11-7 head-to-head record in his favor. Eight of the 11 have come from Roland Garros, two at Flushing Meadows, and one from Wimbledon.
The Spaniard has been missing out on some on-court activity due to a hip injury acquired in January at the 2023 Australian Open. While he was abroad, the Serb surpassed him in the all-time Grand Slam winners list with his French Open victory in June of this year.
At the US Open in September of this year, the World No. 1 added his 24th Major trophy to his trophy case. Nadal, who has 22 such titles to his record, intends to make a return and retire in the 2024 season.
“Novak Djokovic has better numbers than mine, and that is indisputable.” Rafael Nadal’s
Rafael Nadal recently said that Novak Djokovic’s statistics clearly placed him above everyone, including himself.
“I believe that statistics are statistics and that numbers are numbers.” In that regard, I believe he [Djokovic] has superior stats to mine, and that is undeniable,” Nadal stated in September. (via AS)
The Spaniard acknowledged:
“[There are] tastes, inspiration, and sensations that one or the other may transmit to you, and you may prefer one or the other.” “In terms of titles, I believe Novak is the best in history, and there is no doubt about it.”
Djokovic is now the only player in Open Era history to have won 24 Grand Slam championships.
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