Novak Djokovic would like to have his top tennis rivals by his side when the curtain comes down on his career as Roger Federer is as regal as Roger Federer.
Pictures of Federer and rival Rafael Nadal, who participated in one of the most exciting competitions in the world of tennis, sitting together and crying after their defeat in a doubles match in the Laver Cup at the O/2 Arena in London last Friday, spread on various social media.
Djokovic and Andy Murray, two of Federer’s main rivals, were also present to bid farewell to the 41-year-old Swiss veteran.
“It was a very touching and emotional moment,” Djokovic told reporters on Tuesday in Tel Aviv ahead of this week’s tournament.
“I was overwhelmed when I saw his children and his family. I also thought about the scene of my farewell to the world of tennis.
“There’s definitely one thing I want to have when this moment comes, other than my family and those close to me of course. I want to have my biggest opponents in the game because they add more specialness and importance to this moment.”
The 35-year-old Serbian, who is only one title short of Nadal’s record of 22 grand slam singles titles, said he did not feel any problems with the wrist that was bothering him during the Laver Cup in London last week.
Djokovic added that his Spanish rival remains his biggest rival.
“We’ve played more matches against each other than any other pairings in tennis history,” said the Serbian, who missed the Australian Open and the US Open this year due to his stance on vaccination against Covid-19.
“The rivalry between us has a special flavor and it is still going on. We hope that we will get the chance to face each other many more times because it gives us excitement and fun and delights tennis fans all over the world.”