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Novak Djokovic Names Rafa Nadal as Top Rival, Snubs Roger Federer
Novak Djokovic has downplayed the idea of Roger Federer as his greatest rival, instead citing Rafa Nadal. The 24-time Grand Slam victor made the comments at the 2025 Laureus Sports Awards this week. He also expressed his hopes of competing against Carlos Alcaraz at the ongoing Madrid Open. The tournament is a prime opportunity for Djokovic to showcase his enduring talent and potentially add another title to his impressive resume.
Djokovic’s Remarkable Rivalries
During a discussion about the recently retired Nadal at the ceremony, Djokovic stated that the Spaniard was his most significant on-court competitor. This declaration notably omitted Federer. While Djokovic, Federer, and Nadal are often celebrated as the sport’s three finest players ever, with their rivalry considered a mutual affair, the Serbian’s exclusion suggests otherwise.
Laureus Sporting Icon
Nadal, 38, received the Laureus Sporting Icon Award on Monday evening, and Djokovic spoke highly of the Spanish icon. “I recall exceptional matches against Nadal, the biggest rival of my career,” he stated.
Focus on Alcaraz at the Madrid Open
However, he reserved his highest praise for Alcaraz. The two-time Madrid Open champion and Djokovic are in the same half of the draw at the ATP Masters 1000 event, potentially setting up a semi-final clash.
- Alcaraz defeated Djokovic in the semi-finals of the 2022 event.
- The 37-year-old is eager for a chance to avenge that loss.
“Following the defeat to Alcaraz [in 2022], I hope to reach the semi-finals,” he said. “I am aiming to reach my highest level. He is a good person, very skilled, with solid values.”
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Praising Alcaraz’s Character
The seven-time Wimbledon champion continued to commend his young competitor, adding: “His team, Juan Carlos Ferrer, his family… They are good people. That’s more important than anything else. He’s clearly an extraordinary champion. He is very young, already having numerous titles and achievements, but as a person, I admire him; he always has a smile on his face.”
Alcaraz’s Form and Djokovic’s Motivation
Alcaraz arrives in Madrid in excellent form, having secured the title in Monte-Carlo and reached the final in Barcelona this month. Djokovic is preparing to participate in the Madrid Open for the first time since that defeat to the Spanish star in 2022.
Addressing concerns about his motivation as he approaches the later stages of his career, Djokovic acknowledged that, while he might not be the favorite for the title, he is determined to perform well at the event.
“If I’m not motivated, I’m not here; I don’t play anymore. I would retire,” he mentioned. “I still feel the desire to play; the passion to compete is always there.”
“I always have positive feelings when I return to Madrid, to Spain. It’s a country I love very much. I’ve won the Madrid Open three times in my career, with remarkable matches against Nadal and Alcaraz.”