Novak Djokovic: My rivalry with Roger Federer will stay as intense as ever
They enjoyed their time together during the Laver Cup, but Novak Djokovic says his rivalry with Roger Federer on the ATP Tour won’t change.
The duo are usually fierce competitors on court, but they put that to one side when they helped Team Europe to retain the Laver Cup and even teamed up in the doubles.
Djokovic admits he “learned a lot” from Federer, but says they will be back to their usual competitive selves when they face each other in singles matches.
“Federer and I got to know each other as individuals and characters and my respect for him has only grown as I got to know him better as a person for the first time in our careers,” he is quoted as saying by Reuters.
“We trained together for the first time and I learned a lot from watching his routine. Our on tour rivalry won’t change though. It will stay as intense as ever and that’s a very good thing for tennis and all the fans.”
More from Tennis365:
Tennis Today: An update on Sir Andy Murray’s wealth while Fernando Verdasco cops more flak
VIDEO: Sloane Stephens unhappy after ‘f****** b****’ tried to hit her
Top 10: 2018’s most significant breakout climbers in the tennis rankings
Topless Serena Williams sings to support Breast Cancer awareness campaign
Latest
-
Tennis NewsWATCH: King Richard trailer starring Will Smith as Serena Williams says ‘this should be good’
Nearly time to grab the popcorn for King Richard.
-
OlympicsNovak Djokovic closing in on gold at Tokyo Olympics as he admits his ‘level of tennis is getting better and better’
“Best performance of the tournament,” says Djokovic.
-
OlympicsMarketa Vondrousova’s dream turns into a reality as she stuns Elina Svitolina to reach final at Olympics
Marketa Vondrousova assured of a medal at the Tokyo Olympics.
-
Olympics‘To have the medal for me is the greatest thing,’ says Belinda Bencic after reaching Olympic singles final
Already assured of one Olympic medal, Belinda Bencic gunning for a second.
-
Olympics‘Pressure is a privilege,’ says Novak Djokovic as he explains why the noise ‘won’t wear me down’
“Without pressure there is no professional sport,” says Novak Djokovic.
-
OlympicsFabio Fognini apologies for shouting homophobic slur during Olympics defeat, says ‘heat went to my head’
“I apologise for the nonsense that came out of me,” wrote Fabio Fognini.
-
Kevin PalmerAndy Murray’s emotional message as his Olympic dream dies – now what happens next?
“I feel crushed after today’s loss. Sport can be brutal,” wrote Andy Murray.
-
OlympicsPaula Badosa leaves court in a wheelchair while Elena Svitolina headlines Olympic semi-final line-up
Final four confirmed for the Tokyo Games.
-
OlympicsOlympic medallist insists Novak Djokovic is not under pressure to win gold at Tokyo Games
Novak Djokovic should not put pressure on himself to win at Tokyo Games.
-
ATP TourUnderarm serves and tweeners as Nick Kyrgios returns with a bang as he wins Atlanta opener
An entertaining return to action from Nick Kyrgios.