Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have received equal support in terms of the GOAT debate with both tennis players sharing the spot with Roger Federer. The Big Three have not only advanced the best quality of tennis observed in the history of the sport but also present a relationship that reflects great camaraderie and sportsmanship.
However, across this two-decade-long rivalry, Nadal and Djokovic have seen a range of ups and downs, including instances that raised speculation about possible tension between the two tennis stars.Nadal and Djokovic have expressed their opinions on matters concerning the other and there have been several instances that led to controversies. In continuation to the same, here are a few controversial things that the two tennis legends have said about each other over the years.
However, across this two-decade-long rivalry, Nadal and Djokovic have seen a range of ups and downs, including instances that raised speculation about possible tension between the two tennis stars.Nadal and Djokovic have expressed their opinions on matters concerning the other and there have been several instances that led to controversies. In continuation to the same, here are a few controversial things that the two tennis legends have said about each other over the years.
#5 “I think I could have won today. He’s not unbeatable”
Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic met for the first time in the quarterfinals of the French Open in 2006 where Nadal was the defending champion. However, the 19-year-old Serb could not play at his best and was forced to retire with a back injury when Nadal was already leading 6-4, 6-4.
During the post-match conference, Djokovic stunned the audience by stating that he could have won the match against the defending champion and second seed. With Nadal gaining recognition for his clay-court performance and the place he had earned in the international tennis arena, Djokovic’s statements seemed to attract negative attention. He said (via Eurosport):
“I think I was in control of the match. I was playing pretty well. Everything was depending on [my racket]. Even with a sore back, I think I played an equal match with him. I think I could have won today. He’s not unbeatable.”
#4 “I think if he wanted, he would be playing here in Australia without a problem”
Novak Djokovic made headlines during the pandemic for refusing to get vaccinated, something that impacted his participation in tournaments as well.During the 2022 Australian Open, Djokovic was extensively questioned over the validity of his medical exemption from the Covid-19 vaccination. The tennis fraternity was divided over Djokovic’s decision to not get vaccinated and the treatment he received in the aftermath of the same.
When Nadal was asked about his views on the situation, the Spaniard sympathized with him, but stated that the Serb knew the rules and could have been playing there. He said (via The Guardian):
“The only thing that I can say is I believe in what the people who know about medicine say, and if the people say that we need to get vaccinated, we need to get the vaccine. That’s my point of view…..The only clear thing for me is if you are vaccinated, you can play in the Australian Open and everywhere, and the world in my opinion has been suffering enough to not follow the rules.”
He added, “I think if he wanted, he would be playing here in Australia without a problem. He made his own decisions, and everybody is free to take their own decisions, but then there are some consequences. Of course I don’t like the situation that is happening. In some way I feel sorry for him. But at the same time he knew the conditions since a lot of months ago, so he makes his own decision.
With Djokovic being absent, Nadal went on to win the tournament that year.
#3 “There is no brotherhood”
During a press conference at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the Serbian media asked Djokovic about his equation with Nadal and whether the two have a personal relationship.The media and tennis fans were curious about Djokovic’s response, and he shared that it’s not easy to maintain a personal equation when both are fighting towards a goal at the same stage. He said (via Punto de Break):
“No, there is no brotherhood. We are rivals and colleagues. In our situation, it has always been difficult to be close to each other because at this level, you can give a lot of information that might turn against you on the court.”
Adding to his statement, he said, “We have been sharing a part of our lives for a long time, and I would like our relationship to improve in the future. Both of us are very family-oriented, and our lives will change. Maybe we can share more things.”
#2 “Watching Federer play has moved me more than Djokovic, and in the end, tennis is about emotion; it’s the emotion that draws you to it”
Rafael Nadal (left) and Roger Federer (Image via Getty)
Earlier this year, Nadal was once again asked about his rivalry with the other two members of the Big Three and commenting on the same, the Spaniard said that his rivalry with Federer was of greater interest to him than the one he had with Djokovic. He said (via Hindustan Times):
“There are several factors (in why people might talk more about Nadal versus Federer than Nadal versus Djokovic). Some I won’t tell you because it’s difficult for me, it’s not my place to comment on them. Roger was perfect in terms of aesthetics, elegance and technique. I have very good technique, but technique is not the same as aesthetics. They are two different things. He had incredible technique, doing things beautifully with impressive elegance.”
He added, “Watching Federer play has moved me more than Djokovic, and in the end, tennis is about emotion; it’s the emotion that draws you to it.”
Nadal’s statement was not well received by some tennis fans as they felt he disrespected the Serb.
#1 “I think Novak feels more intensely [about] this than I do. Had he not achieved it, it may have been a bigger frustration for him”
Novak Djokovic after winning his 24th Grand Slam title last year.
Novak Djokovic won three out of four Grand Slams last year and not only overtook Rafael Nadal as the male tennis player with the most number of Grand Slams won but also equalled Margaret Court’s record of winning the most number of majors in tennis history.
Soon after the Serb’s 24th Grand Slam victory, Nadal was asked about his views on his rival’s newly achieved record, responding to which he said that it was perhaps more important to Djokovic. He said (via India Today):
“I’m not frustrated for a simple reason. I believe that, within my means, I have done everything possible to ensure that things go as smoothly as possible for me. Novak could be frustrated because he lives everything more intensely and that’s why he’s the best.”
“I have been one of the most inactive players on the circuit for many years. I’ve missed four and a half years of Grand Slams. That’s what the sport is all about. Djokovic is also more successful because he has had a level of fitness/physique that has allowed him to play more than me.”
When the Serb was questioned about his rival’s comments, he emphasized that everyone is entitled to their own opinions and how he respects Nadal as a tennis champion and a rival. He refused to say anything that went against either the Spaniard or Federer owing to the respect he had for both, something for which he received a lot of admiration and respect from tennis fans and players.
