Novak Djokovic is undeniably one of the greatest tennis players of all time, and is arguably a few key accolades away from being indisputably at the top.
After all, should he win the Olympics and one more Grand Slam title, not only would he gain the one outstanding title he is missing, but he would also move out alone at the top for the most majors won of anyone ever.
What makes this feat so much more impressive is the era in which he has competed, and although perhaps not quite as competitive as the one Roger Federer was forced to endure, credit has been well-earned.
Now, in a recent interview, Novak Djokovic has actually revealed who his biggest rival of all time is, of all the stars who he has faced across his stunning career.
Novak Djokovic names his biggest tennis rival of all time
Speaking to Tennis TV, the Serbian superstar, who is currently in Paris vying for his first Olympic gold medal to complete his trophy cabinet, was quizzed about the current state of the sport, his personal feelings towards it and the rivalries he has forged over the years.
Having been at the top of the sport for nearly two decades now, he has engaged in some historic battles with the world’s best, and almost always comes out on top.
His meetings with Federer and Rafael Nadal in particular drew interest, as the Big Three in tennis, widely regarded as the best male players in the history of the sport.
However, whilst many might debate who Djokovic’s greatest-ever rival has been, with a few more contemporary alternatives too, his answer was rather definitive.
He claimed: ‘I can’t take anybody else but [Rafael] Nadal as my biggest rival. As long as Nadal is playing, as long as I’m playing, Nadal is my biggest rival regardless of the rankings or what’s going on in the tour. Just because of the history of our rivalry and everything.
‘Of course, I have tonnes of respect for [Carlos] Alcaraz. You know, he just came on the tour the last couple of years. Some other players that are out there, [Daniil] Medvedev, I had some great match-ups with him.
‘Nadal and myself, we go back a long time, so definitely he comes in front.’
Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal set for a 60th meeting
In a clash that is the most prolific men’s rivalry in Open Era history, today marks the day when we will get to see a landmark 60th meeting between Nadal and Djokovic.
Ironically enough, the last time we saw these two clash was also on Philippe Chatrier, and whilst the venue will remain unchanged, the competition is wildly different.
After all, the ageing and injury-prone Spaniard will just be hoping for a solid showing, having already won an Olympic gold medal in the singles before.
His opponent, however, has not, and is staring down his final chance to accomplish this feat.
There is so much on the line, and it is so poetic that we will get to see these two clash one final time on the Roland Garros clay, with Nadal actually winning their last meeting.
So much has changed since then, but he will still fancy his chances. The whole tennis world will be tuning into this one.
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