Novak Djokovic ‘a bit sad’ that ‘greatest rivals’ Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray have departed ‘golden era’
BYOLI GENT
Published 01/12/2024 at 19:22 GMT
Novak Djokovic has admitted he is “a bit sad” that his “greatest rivals” Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, Stanislas Wawrinka and Juan Martin del Potro “have left” tennis. Djokovic, the current world No. 7, believes that he is part of a “golden era” of men’s tennis, and he is the last one standing of the previous generation. He plays Del Potro in a farewell exhibition for the Argentine.
Novak Djokovic says that he is “a bit sad” that the other key members of a “golden era” of men’s tennis “have left” him as he continues with his playing career.
The Serb has no intention of hanging up his racquet just yet, although he will no longer be competing against his “greatest rivals” Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray.
Djokovic made a surprise move last month to make Murray his new coach ahead of the 2025 season, and the pair will work together at January’s Australian Open, which will be shown live on Eurosport and discovery+.
The world No. 7’s season is not over just yet, despite his absence from the ATP World Tour Finals in Turin, which world No. 1 Jannik Sinner won.
Djokovic is in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to play a farewell exhibition match for another of the “golden era”, Juan Martin del Potro, who is retiring from the sport after the Argentine’s “endless injury nightmare”.
Speaking alongside Del Potro at their pre-match press conference, Djokovic said of the match: “It is a great pleasure to return here to South America, to Argentina after 11 years, the first time I was here.
“This time it is very special to be here with my friend, Juan Martin. It was a very easy decision to come here.
“It is a very special and exciting moment for me as well, not only because of the rivalry. The rivalry we have is also very strong because we have experienced many moments.
“In the recent period, our friendship has prevailed more than just a rivalry. We are here to celebrate Juan Martin’s career.”
