Novak Djokovic, a titan of the modern tennis era, has offered a rare glimpse into the mindset and attributes that he believes set him and his legendary rival, Roger Federer, apart from many other stars in the sport. In a candid interview, the Serbian maestro delved into the intricacies of their respective games, the unique challenges they faced, and the enduring qualities that propelled them to unprecedented heights.
Djokovic, who now stands as the record holder for the most Grand Slam singles titles with 24, surpassing both Federer’s 20 and Rafael Nadal’s 22, reflected on his journey and his place within the “Big Three.” Despite his statistical dominance, he has often spoken about feeling like an outsider compared to the widespread adoration enjoyed by Federer and Nadal, attributing some of this to geographical and cultural factors. “I felt like the unwanted child in the trio. I often questioned why that was the case, and it was painful,” Djokovic admitted.1 He even considered altering his demeanor to win over fans, but found it “ineffective.”
However, when discussing the pure on-court artistry and efficiency, Djokovic’s admiration for Federer is palpable. “When we compare Federer, Nadal and me – Federer is the most talented, the most beautiful to watch,” Djokovic revealed. He emphasized Federer’s unique ability to conserve energy, noting, “he spent his energy the most efficiently, he moved so slowly, so elegantly, so efficiently.” This insight highlights a key distinction in their playing styles: while Nadal epitomizes maximum physicality and relentless aggression, and Djokovic sees himself as a blend of both, Federer’s grace and effortless movement stood out as truly exceptional.
Beyond their contrasting styles, Djokovic pointed to a shared, profound quality that distinguishes them. While not explicitly stated as a direct quote in recent reports, the overarching theme of Djokovic’s reflections, particularly when juxtaposed with Federer’s career, points to an unwavering dedication to longevity and adaptation. Both players, despite facing injuries and the relentless march of time, have continuously found ways to reinvent their games and extend their careers at the highest level.
Federer, for instance, maintained a remarkable level of performance well into his late 30s, testament to his efficient playing style and meticulous care of his body. Djokovic, at 38, continues to defy conventional wisdom, openly declaring his ambition to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This level of sustained excellence, across multiple generations of challengers, speaks volumes about their discipline, recovery methods, and unwavering competitive fire.
Moreover, Djokovic implicitly suggests that a certain mental fortitude and unyielding self-belief are crucial differentiating factors. He spoke about how his rivalries with Federer and Nadal profoundly shaped his development, particularly in the latter part of his career. “We always say that through these rivalries, the three of us contributed to developing into the tennis players and people and competitors that we have become. I say without a doubt, the rivalry with those two had the most influence on my development, especially in the second part of my career,” he2 asserted. The sheer mental strength required to consistently perform under immense pressure, to rebound from defeats, and to constantly seek improvement, is a hallmark of both Djokovic and Federer’s careers. They both possessed an unparalleled ability to elevate their game when it mattered most, often thriving in the most intense environments.
While Djokovic acknowledged a closer personal relationship with Nadal, stating, “I’ve always respected both Federer and Nadal; I’ve never said a single bad word about them and never will. I looked up to them and still do. But I’ve always gotten along better with Nadal,”3 this sentiment doesn’t diminish his recognition of Federer’s unique contributions and the shared qualities that define their greatness.
In essence, Djokovic’s commentary highlights that beyond raw talent and physical prowess, the ability to evolve, adapt, and maintain an unshakeable belief in oneself, coupled with a deep passion for the sport, are the true hallmarks of enduring champions like himself and Roger Federer. These are the qualities that have allowed them to push the boundaries of what was thought possible in tennis, leaving an indelible mark on the sport’s history.
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