Novak Djokovic wants to meet Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in a relaxed setting to reflect on life and their rivalries against each other.
Djokovic, the only one of those three players still competing on the ATP Tour, is preparing for the Australian Open and has developed entertaining rivalries with Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, the two young men’s tennis stars.
The Serbian built some momentum ahead of the season’s opening Grand Slam by defeating Alcaraz 7-5 in a practice set. He was watched by Andy Murray, who agreed to be his coach until at least the end of the Australian Open.
Murray was Djokovic’s third great rival alongside Nadal and Federer. The Briton competed against Djokovic in multiple Grand Slam finals, including four at the Australian Open, all won by Djokovic.
While Murray was a great player, Djokovic, Nadal, who retired at last year’s Davis Cup Finals, and Federer are broadly regarded as the three greatest players ever. They contested many incredible matches against each other.
In an interview with GQ, Djokovic mentioned that he would like to invite his three former rivals to socialize outside of tennis. The 37-year-old mentioned some of the topics they might discuss.
“I will definitely extend my invitation to both of these guys for some chilling, relaxing time, and reflection. I do wish to have a drink or two with them and just open up and talk about the things that annoyed… annoyed everyone about me! Or vice versa, whatever it is. Let’s just put it all out there.”
“And I think I would love to also pick their brains and understand what they were thinking about, how they were handling certain situations on the court, pressures of the world that is on your shoulders when you’re at the top of the game.”
“And I have my observations, cause I did observe them as they did observe me over the years. But it’s different when you hear it from the man himself.”
Millions of tennis fans would undoubtedly watch a conversation between the three legends. However, it seems like Djokovic imagines the occasion would happen in a private setting where they could talk unfiltered.
Regardless, Djokovic thinks the idea would send a great message to fans about them being able to enjoy each other’s company after being fierce rivals on the court for several years.
“I have my observations, ’cause I did observe them as they did observe me over the years. But it’s different when you hear it from the man himself. So I hope that in some kind of environment that is really relaxing, one day we can all open up and reflect.”
“It would be great for us. But also I think it would send a great message to the people who follow tennis and sports that, hey, three of us getting together.”
It is uncertain whether Djokovic’s idea will ever happen. Nadal and Federer have not commented on the likelihood of accepting such a proposal.
