Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic shared a truly intense rivalry, and whilst the latter dominated the last few years of their time together on court, it has not detracted from the former’s legacy.
He still remains very much in the GOAT conversation, and rightly so, alongside the Serbian legend and Rafael Nadal.
However, what made him so revered by fans, his ability on the court aside, was his personality.
As classy and cool as ever, his interviews were often almost as smooth as his patented one-handed backhand at time. One example, where Federer’s favourite-ever match was revealed, only reinforced this notion.
This was no great exemplified than just last year, when reacting to Djokovic’s French Open title triumph.
How Roger Federer reacts to Novak Djokovic’s 2023 French Open win
As relayed by Tennis World, the Swiss superstar was as magnanimous as we have come to expect when assessing Djokovic’s title victory in 2023.
That year proved to be supremely profitable for the 37-year-old, who won three Grand Slam titles and reached the final in the fourth, whilst also winning the end-of-year ATP finals.
However, Federer would predict such success just after Roland Garros, as he claimed: ‘What Novak did was incredible. It’s great for tennis and sports when tennis writes its history. We saw that with Serena, Rafa, myself, and now with Novak.
‘It’s a great time to be a tennis fan and player. When I came on tour, Pete Sampras reached 14 Major titles, and we all thought it would stay forever. Then I went to 15 and eventually ended up at 17. Then we pushed each other to 20, I do not remember who was the first to get there, and then Rafa reached 22.
‘Novak is now on 23, and he looks good to keep bringing them for a long time, which is excellent. I wish him all the best. Also, we should remember he is winning titles while not being among the youngest players. Novak looks young, and he does it in a young way.
‘Still, winning a Major is always challenging, and he scored an amazing victory in Paris. I could not have been happier for him.’
Novak Djokovic will be praying for another Roland Garros title
Although at this moment in time it might seem unlikely for Djokovic to win this upcoming Grand Slam, it would be crazy to write him off.
After all, with the likes of himself, Federer and Nadal, when they are the underdog is arguably when they are most dangerous.
Having dealt with the scrutiny of being by far the best throughout their careers, to instead have that pressure alleviated allows them to play with a freedom that we do not get to see much.
And having failed to win a title in 2024 as of nnow, these are uncharted waters for Djokovic.
Nobody is expecting him to win Roland Garros, but Federer might be forced to reiterate last year’s comments should his long-term rival do the unthinkable in the coming weeks.
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