Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic had some intense on-court battles throughout their incredible rivalry.
The 2019 Wimbledon final between Djokovic and Federer was one of their most closely fought, and actually ended up being the last Grand Slam final of the latter’s career.
While they spent most of their careers as rivals, Djokovic and Federer did also team up once for a doubles match.
This came at the 2018 Laver Cup, where Federer would eventually retire four years later.
What Roger Federer once claimed he got totally wrong about Novak Djokovic
Federer’s final ever tournament, where he would play his last match alongside Rafael Nadal, would be immortalized in an Amazon Prime documentary called ‘Twelve Final Days’.
In this documentary, Federer would speak about Djokovic, who was also there in London to wave farewell to his rival, and admitted that he believes the Serbian is misunderstood.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion also reflected on how grateful he was that Djokovic signed up to the Laver Cup that year, having only played it once before.
“I think he’s been a little bit misunderstood,” said Federer. “I look past the media and I see the end the man that he is, and if I take away his game, who is he? What are his values? I know I can feel he cares very deeply about his family, so we have similar values.
“When he signed up to play the Laver Cup, he could have always still pulled out once he heard that I was going to retire, but he didn’t so I really appreciate that.”
While they may not have always been the best of friends on opposite sides of the court, it appears that appreciation is also felt from Djokovic’s side.
What Novak Djokovic said about Roger Federer after retiring at the 2022 Laver Cup
It was an emotional night at the O2 Arena when Federer retired in September 2022, but there was still plenty more tennis to be played at the Laver Cup that year.
A day later after Djokovic beat Frances Tiafoe in singles, he paid tribute to Federer and spoke about how privileged he felt to be a part of Federer’s farewell event.
“Well, I think we would all agree this was one of the most beautiful moments anyone has experienced live or on a tennis court worldwide,” Djokovic said at the time. “We all knew it would be an emotional farewell for Roger but I think we were all taken away by the moment.
“At the same time it is a mix of emotions. Sadness because one of the greatest athletes of all time is leaving the sport but on the other hand seeing him happy with the way it all played out, I was just very grateful and privileged to be alongside other Team World and Europe players to witness that.
“It was one of the most beautiful moments I have ever experienced in my life, for sure.”
Federer and Nadal are both retired from tennis now, with Djokovic now the last player flying the flag for ‘the big three’.
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