Novak Djokovic: I owe it to Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal for pushing me

Novak Djokovic believes Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have “shaped him into the player he is today”.
The Serb won his 14th Grand Slam on Sunday when he beat Juan Martin del Potro in the US Open final, leaving him just six behind Federer’s all-time record of 20 and three adrift of Nadal in second place.
The three of them have dominated tennis over the last 15 years and Djokovic admits it was initially tough being part of the Nadal and Federer era, but he now believes they have pushed him onto another level.
“Maybe 10 years ago I would say I’m not so happy to be part of this era with Nadal and Federer,” he said. “Actually, today I am. I really am. I feel like these guys, rivalries with these guys, matches with Federer and Nadal, have made me the player I am, have shaped me into the player I am today.
“I have utmost respect for what they have achieved on the court, but also the champions, role models they are off the court. I think we have pushed each other to the limit every time we get to play each other. For me, that was always an ultimate challenge: to play Nadal or Federer anywhere.
“I think I had to figure out early in my career, when I was losing most of the big matches in Grand Slams against them, what it takes for me to improve and develop my game to be able to challenge them, to be able to start winning against them when it matters the most. I think that was one of the most important periods of my life, my tennis career, my development. I owe it to them.”
More from Tennis365:
Why US Open champion Novak Djokovic still faces a fight to claim the respect he is due
Relentless Novak Djokovic wears down Juan Martin del Potro to win US Open
Meet Marian Vajda, the man who has put Novak Djokovic back at the top of the tennis world
Tennis Today: No end in sight to Serena Williams debate as tennis lies at a crossroads
Video: Classy Novak Djokovic consoles Juan Martin del Potro after US Open final
Latest
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic’s father hits out at Western media over their negative portrayal of his son
Srdjan Djokovic slams Western media.
-
News
Andy Murray’s Montpellier run shortlived as he suffers first-round in Open Sud de France
Andy Murray went down in straight sets.
-
Australian Open
Boris Becker ‘impressed’ by Nick Kyrgios, insists Australian has talent to ‘win Wimbledon at least once’
Boris Becker doffs his hat to Nick Kyrgios.
-
News
Fit-again Johanna Konta falls at the first hurdle in Adelaide as she loses against Shelby Rogers
The British No 1 has recovered from an abdominal injury.
-
WTA Tour
Ashleigh Barty insists there is ‘extra pressure’ over world No 1 ranking battle with Naomi Osaka
“Extra pressure is non-existent for me,” says Barty.
-
ATP Tour
Jamie Murray explains why Novak Djokovic’s NBA-style bubble idea would be difficult to pull off in tennis
“That’s obviously very difficult,” says Jamie Murray.
-
Grand Slam
Boris Becker hails Novak Djokovic’s ‘tactical masterclass’ and explains how Serb outwitted Daniil Medvedev
Novak Djokovic “messed up” Daniil Medvedev’s rhythm.
-
Wimbledon
Spectators set to return for Wimbledon 2021 as Tim Henman outlines plans
Spectators look set to be in attendance at Wimbledon.
-
News
Andy Murray reveals he could not bring himself to watch the Australian Open
Murray set for first ATP Tour event of 2021.
-
News
Novak Djokovic to prioritise Grand Slams as he closes in on Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal
Djokovic within striking distance of Federer and Nadal.