Novak Djokovic, the last remaining member of the legendary “Big Four” still actively competing, has shared his emotional reaction to the retirements of his greatest rivals—Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Andy Murray. The Serbian tennis icon admitted that Nadal’s recent announcement has been particularly difficult to process, acknowledging the profound impact these rivalries have had on his career and the sport.
Speaking candidly, Djokovic stated, “He [Nadal] has been my greatest rival and my rivalry with him has impacted me the most in my career by far. We knew that moment was coming sooner or later, but it’s still a shock.”
Djokovic also reflected on the retirements of Federer and Murray, describing the collective departure of these titans as “overwhelming.” “When it came officially for Roger a few years ago, and Andy this year, it’s overwhelming for me to be honest. I don’t know what to make of it. I still enjoy competing, but part of me left with them. A big part of me.”
For Djokovic, the retirements mark the end of a golden era in tennis. While he continues to compete at the highest level, the absence of his fiercest rivals has clearly left a void. “It’s tough news for the tennis world, the sports world,” Djokovic admitted, before praising Nadal’s legacy. “Rafa is an inspiration to millions of children around the world, so he can be very proud of his career.”
As Djokovic continues to pursue his own historic achievements, it’s clear that the departures of Federer, Nadal, and Murray have deeply affected the 24-time Grand Slam champion. The camaraderie and fierce competition that defined their era have become irreplaceable elements in the sport, leaving Djokovic to carry the torch for a generation of tennis legends.
Djokovic in Shanghai, ranking, and results in 2024
Currently the world no.4, the Serbian has achieved an overall 36-8 match record in 2024. The Serbian is now playing in Shanghai where he ousted the world no.43 Alex Michelsen 7-6(3) 7-6(9), the world no.30 Flavio Cobolli 6-1 6-2, the world no.61 Roman Safiullin 6-3 6-2
and the world no.65 Jakub Mensik 6-7(4) 6-1 6-4.Novak Djokovic will play the world no.7 Taylor Fritz in the semifinal on Saturday at 7:00 pm on STADIUM COURT. Their current head to head is 9-0 for Djokovic.
The Serbian clinched 1 title in 2024 in Paris. Djokovic was the runner-up in Wimbledon.
Djokovic won 99 titles in his career: 52 on hard courts, 20 on clay courts, 19 on indoor courts and 8 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
Djokovic is scheduled to compete next in Paris (Rolex Paris Masters). He will start the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 28th of October.
Novak Djokovic |
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Djokovic in Shanghai, ranking, and results in 2024
Currently the world no.4, Novak has achieved a composed 36-8 win-loss record in 2024. Novak is playing in Shanghai where he bested the world no.43 Alex Michelsen 7-6(3) 7-6(9), the world no.30 Flavio Cobolli 6-1 6-2, the world no.61 Roman Safiullin 6-3 6-2 and the world no.65 Jakub Mensik 6-7(4) 6-1 6-4.
Novak Djokovic will square off with the world no.7 Taylor Fritz in the semifinal on Saturday at 7:00 pm on STADIUM COURT. Their current record is 9-0 for Djokovic.
Djokovic clinched 1 title in 2024 in Paris. Novak reached the final in Wimbledon.
Novak won 99 titles in his career: 52 on hard courts, 20 on clay courts, 19 on indoor courts and 8 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
Djokovic will play next in Paris (Rolex Paris Masters). He will start the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 28th of October.
Novak Djokovic |
| Embed from Getty Images |