Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic on their ‘thrilling’ rivalry: ‘We get the best out of one another’

They have played some “thrilling matches” over the years and it is unsurprising that Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic believe their rivalry transcend the sport.
The duo have squared off 50 times in competitive matches with Djokovic leading the head-to-head 27-23. It is the second-most prolific rivalry in men’s tennis in the Open Era as Rafael Nadal and Djokovic lead the way with 56 encounters.
Over the years the Federer-Djokovic match-ups have delivered some classics and reigning world No 1 Djokovic says their rivalry “goes beyond the sport”.
“I’ve played so many thrilling matches with him over the years,” the 17-time Grand Slam winner said during an episode of ATP Uncovered.
“Every time I step on court against him it’s thrilling, it’s very exciting because it kind of exceeds that match. It goes beyond the sport.”
Their styles are quite contrasting and 20-time Grand Slam winner Federer believes it makes for exciting matches.
“Novak, obviously he can play on all the surfaces extremely well,” the Swiss said. “He always brings a certain level of play, which is extremely high, so to beat him you have to be at your best.
“He’s a great mover, and I have great coordination, so we match up well against each other.”
Of the 50 matches, 20 have been finals with the most recent final clash at Wimbledon in 2019 when Djokovic won a five-hour, five-set marathon.
And while some pundits lament the fact that modern-day greats Federer, Djokovic as well as Rafael Nadal compete in the same era, the Swiss feels it great for the sport and often brings out the best in players.
“I think actually rivalries are super important in sports, I think it also makes the game more popular,” Federer said. “I think you always need somebody who you can have a good rivalry with. With me… and with Djokovic, thank god I had them… I think we get the best out of one another.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Australian Open
Boris Becker on what happens next for Alexander Zverev after a turbulent 2020
German legend Boris Becker is backing Alexander Zverev to win his first Grand Slam title in 2021.
-
Australian Open
Dominic Thiem dismisses calls for the Australian Open to be cancelled
US Open champion Dominic Thiem insists next month’s Australian Open should go ahead despite players being in quarantine.
-
Tennis News
Timeline of Andy Murray’s injury nightmare as he pulls out of Australian Open
Andy Murray is out of next month’s Australian Open here we look at the timeline of Murray’s injury troubles since 2017.
-
News
Andy Murray ‘gutted’ as he shelves plans to play at Australian Open
Murray has been unable to solve a quarantine conundrum.
-
Australian Open
‘Really unjustified’ – Boris Becker leaps to Novak Djokovic’s defence over his quarantine pleas
Boris Becker believes world No.1 Novak Djokovic has come in for unfair criticism after writing a letter to Australian Open chiefs.
-
Tennis News
Umpire suffers heart attack as another Australian Open player tests positive for Covid-19
Spanish player Paula Badosa has announced she has tested positive for coronavirus during quarantine in Australia.
-
News
Laura Robson unsure about tennis future after third hip operation
The 27-year-old said her priority now is to live a pain-free life.
-
Australian Open
Andy Murray believes he can still play at the Australian Open as he plots return to action
Former world No.1 Andy Murray is still hopeful of playing in next month’s Australian Open.
-
Australian Open
Players are urged not to feed the mice in their hotel rooms as Heather Watson turns to Tik Tok
Britain’s Heather Watson has turned to Tik…