Sunday , 29 June 2025
Home International Sports Djokovic ‘overwhelmed’ after ‘greatest rival’ Nadal’s retirement
International SportsTennis

Djokovic ‘overwhelmed’ after ‘greatest rival’ Nadal’s retirement

Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic said Friday he was “overwhelmed” by the news of Rafael Nadal’s retirement and called the Spaniard “the greatest rival that I ever had”, but said he has no plans to stop.

Nadal announced Thursday that he will step back from tennis after the Davis Cup finals in November, ending his 22 Grand Slam-winning career.

He clashed 60 times with Djokovic, who edged their rivalry 31-29.

“He remains the greatest rival that I ever had. He has impacted me a lot as a player, my development, he has inspired a lot of people around the world,” said Djokovic, speaking after he beat 19-year-old Jakub Mensik in three sets to progress to the Shanghai Masters semifinals.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion said that the news had come as a shock despite the Spaniard’s struggles with injury.

The 37-year-old Serb is now the last man standing from tennis’s golden era, with Roger Federer retiring in 2022, and Andy Murray calling it quits this year too.

“I’m playing, you know, still keep going… but part of me left with them, that’s for sure,” mused Djokovic.

“The era of the four musketeers, so to say, the four of us and all the rivalries we had was incredible,” he said.

“I’m a bit overwhelmed, to be honest, but, you know, I still have the desire to play.

“Fighting against a 19-year-old for two and a half hours on the court is something that still drives me… and I try to get the best out of myself.”

Related Articles

Pogba joins Monaco after doping ban, signs two-year deal

Paul Pogba has signed a two-year contract with AS Monaco, marking his...

Norris stuns field with dominant pole in Austria as Verstappen struggles

Lando Norris delivered a brilliant performance to claim pole position for the...

Haaland scores 300th career goal as Man City cruise past Juventus in Club World Cup

Erling Haaland netted the 300th top-level goal of his career as Manchester...

Arsenal set to sign Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga

Arsenal are on the verge of completing the signing of Chelsea goalkeeper...