Novak Djokovic has recently opened up about the most challenging opponent he has ever faced between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, while also reflecting on the standout moments of his illustrious career.
The “Big Three”—Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer—have dominated the tennis world for nearly two decades, each securing a remarkable number of Grand Slam titles. Djokovic leads the pack with 24 major trophies, followed by Nadal with 22 and Federer with 20. These three legends have claimed all but 15 of the 81 Grand Slam titles during this awe-inspiring era of tennis.
Among the most intense and widely recognized rivalries in tennis history, Djokovic’s battles with both Nadal and Federer have defined much of his career. The Serbian boasts a narrow 31-29 record over Nadal from their 60 meetings, while he holds a 27-23 advantage against Federer after 50 encounters. These rivalries have produced some of the most gripping matches in the sport’s Open Era.
However, Djokovic’s quest for his next victory encountered an unexpected setback when he was knocked out by Matteo Berrettini in the first round of the Qatar Open ATP 500 tournament. Despite this, the 37-year-old was keen to share his thoughts on the toughest opponents he has faced in his career, particularly in the context of Doha, where he appeared as the Global Brand Ambassador for Qatar Airways.
When asked about his greatest rival, Djokovic didn’t hesitate. “You probably know the names Federer and Nadal,” he said. “I would say Nadal would be the one that probably stands out as my biggest opponent and biggest rival. Yes.”
In the same conversation, the former world No. 1 opened up about the highlights of his remarkable career, singling out his Olympic gold medal win in 2024 as the pinnacle of his achievements. “The best moment is the next winning moment,” he said with a laugh. “I’m saying this half jokingly, but also half seriously because in tennis, you need to quickly shift your focus to the next challenge.”
Djokovic further elaborated, explaining that his professional career has been both incredibly rewarding and intensely demanding. “It’s been a very successful but very intense 20-year period for me. I’ve been blessed to achieve the greatest things that this sport has to offer,” he said. Reflecting on his early triumphs, he fondly recalled his first Grand Slam victory at Wimbledon in 2011, a dream come true after years of admiration for the prestigious tournament. “But,” he added, “I would say the gold medal for my country last year would be probably the highlight of my entire career.”
Looking back at his humble beginnings, Djokovic shared the story of how his love for tennis first blossomed in his native Serbia. Growing up in the mountainous regions, he was drawn to the sport at the tender age of four or five. “It happened by accident, even though in life there are no accidents, everything happens for a reason,” he reflected. His journey into tennis started when he noticed workers constructing tennis courts. Eager to help, Djokovic would bring the workers drinks and assist in the construction process. In return, he was granted free hours on the courts. “That’s how I fell in love with this beautiful sport,” he said with a smile.
From a curious young boy in Serbia to a global tennis icon, Djokovic’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, marked by rivalries, personal milestones, and a deep passion for the game that continues to drive him forward.