Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have shared some legendary battles over the years, vying for the sport’s greatest honours.
And, across a couple of illustrious careers, they have shared those titles relentlessly.
Alongside Roger Federer, this trio have completely reshaped men’s tennis, having overseen an era of dominance never seen before.
But with the latter having already retired, and Nadal seemingly closing in on a similar fate, it feels like that reign of terror is slowly coming to an end.
Novak Djokovic outlines Rafael Nadal ambition
Appearing at the recent Laureus World Sports Awards (via Forbes), the Serbian superstar and long-time rival of Nadal’s was speaking about the legendary Spaniard.
After all, he has dominated the headlines this year really, having made a return in Brisbane before reaggravating an injury which has kept him out until recently.
Then, making a comeback in Barcelona, all eyes are now on Madrid to see how he can compete against the top players ahead of the French Open.
Djokovic unsurprisingly harbours incredible respect for the 37-year-old, as two of the most dominant tennis players of all time.
And before Nadal retires, of which many rumours suggest this year might be the one, Djokovic has ambitions to share the court with him at least one more time.
He noted: ‘I have a lot of respect for a legend like him, with whom I hope to be able to play at least one more time before he retires. He is a good person and a legend of our sport, he is my most important rival. In Australia, I said I hoped to see him in one or two tournaments and I hope to do that.’
Rafael Nadal seemingly pushes his retirement date back
There has been much speculation over the future of Nadal in tennis, and just how long he might keep playing.
For us as fans, the more time we get to see this left-handed menace on tour the better.
But we have all seen how his body has failed him over the past few years, and it marks a sad deterioration of a player who was once famed for his physical prowess and ability to simply dominate his opponents.
His recent loss at the Barcelona Open was far from embarrassing, as Alex De Minaur is a very capable tennis player. But the manner in which he unleashed drop shot after drop shot, leading to Nadal eventually giving up on chasing them, was quite tough to watch.
And yet, are are being promised more of the Spaniard, and as the year goes on, should he stay fit, these issues could even be ironed out.
So, for those expecting him to perhaps wait until after Roland Garros, or even this summer’s Paris Olympics to retire, the news that he will be playing in September’s Laver Cup was music to our ears.
We are guaranteed at least another five months of Nadal.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
