Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have been fierce rivals on the tennis court throughout their careers – but the Serbian has explained why the pair could never be friends.

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have shared one of the fiercest rivalries in sport (Image: Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Novak Djokovic has admitted that a close friendship with Rafael Nadal was never on the cards due to their intense rivalry, despite their early cordial interactions. The Serbian tennis star opened up about his relationship with Nadal as the Spanish legend announced his retirement from the sport after an impressive 23-year career, which included 22 Grand Slam titles.

Nadal’s emotional exit came in the wake of Spain’s Davis Cup quarter-final loss to the Netherlands. Djokovic, reflecting on their competitive history, told Corriere Della Sera: “Nadal is only a year older than me, we are both Geminis, at first we even went to dinner together, twice. But even with him, friendship is impossible,”

He added, “I have always respected and greatly admired him. Thanks to him and Federer, I grew up and became who I am. This will unite us forever; therefore I feel gratitude towards them. Nadal is a part of my life, in the last fifteen years I’ve seen more of him than my mum! ”

Djokovic also touched on his rapport with Roger Federer, saying: “We have never been friends. Between rivals, it is not possible, but we have never been enemies. I’ve always had respect for Federer, he was one of the greatest of all time. He had an extraordinary impact, but I’ve never been close to him.”

Djokovic expressed profound admiration for Rafael Nadal’s unwavering resilience that has inspired his own career, acknowledging their long history and mutual respect. Djokovic remarked: “So we go back a very, very long time. There’s a lot of things that inspire me in his career.

“Definitely the tenacity, dedication, fighting spirit. This kind of champions mentality of never giving up and always, in the face of adversity, finding a way to win, finding a way to come back. That’s a kind of a mentality that he possesses, that I find really inspiring.”

After Spain’s recent defeat and Nadal stepping onto the court at Palacio de Deportes, the Spanish legend was visibly moved as tributes poured in from icons like Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Andy Murray, David Beckham, and Djokovic himself.

MALAGA, SPAIN – NOVEMBER 20: Rafael Nadal of Spain looks on during the tribute to his career in his farewell to professional tennis during the Davis Cup 2024 at Martin Carpena Pavilion on November 19, 2024, in Malaga, Spain. (Photo By Oscar J. Barroso/Europa Press via Getty Images) (Image: Getty Images)

During the emotional tribute, even Nadal could not hold back tears. Later, after addressing the audience, Nadal humbly stated: “The titles, the numbers are there. So people probably know that. But the way I would like to be remembered more is a good person from a small village in Mallorca. I had the luck that I had my uncle as a coach in the village when I was a kid.

“I am a kid who followed their dreams and worked as hard as they could to be where I am today. A lot of people do this and I have been very lucky to live the life I have because of tennis. I want to be remembered as a good person and a kid who followed their dreams and achieved more than they thought they could.”

The 22-time Grand Slam champion tearfully confessed that he didn’t wish to retire, but was left with no other option due to a crippling accumulation of injuries over recent years. “I have given everything I had and I would like to thank you for the opportunity,” he expressed.

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal at the Paris 2024 Olympics (Image: Getty)

“I have lived many important moments of my career with those of you who are here, it has been a privilege, we have achieved many beautiful things and now it is your turn to continue living them, which I am sure will come.

“The truth is that you never want to get to this point. I’m not tired of playing tennis, but my body doesn’t want to play anymore and you have to accept that. I feel super privileged, I’ve been able to make my hobby my profession for a long time. I also remember my family, my team, you have been an unforgettable part of my life for all these years.

“I am a person who believes in continuity and staying close to the people who have made my life better and that has given me a personal relationship that goes far beyond the professional. Thank you so much because without you this would not have been possible and I say this from the heart.”

Nadal, with his impressive haul of 22 major titles, including an unmatched 14 French Opens, two Wimbledon victories, four US Opens and two Australian Opens, trails just behind Djokovic in the overall rankings.

Djokovic, on the other hand, has a record-breaking 24 Grand Slam title wins under his belt, comprising 10 Australian Opens, three French Opens, seven Wimbledon titles and four US Opens, often besting Nadal in their encounters.