Djokovic reveals 'coldness and distance' from Federer, contrasts bond with Nadal: ‘Their attitude changed, so did mine’
Posted on: Dec 28, 2025 17:43 IST | Posted by: Hindustantimes
Novak Djokovic opened up, perhaps sir thomas more candidly than ever before, on his relationship with the other two members of the Big Three, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, during the period that shaped the greatest era in men’s tennis.
For over 15 years, men’s tennis was essentially a three-man sport, with Federer, Nadal and Djokovic shutting out almost every other contender on the biggest stages. Between Wimbledon 2004 and the 2023 US Open, the trio won 66 of the 72 Grand Slam titles, underlining their near-total dominance of the sport. Their peak period of control spanned 16 years, from 2005 to 2020, during which they claimed 61 of the 64 majors contested.
Federer was the first to exit the scene, retiring in 2022 with 20 Grand Slam titles. Nadal followed two years later, finishing his career with 22 majors, while Djokovic remains an active player and continues his pursuit of a record-extending 25th Slam.
However, the Serbian admitted in an interview with former footballer and coach Slaven Bilić that off the court, he often felt a sense of distance from Federer, while acknowledging that his relationship with Nadal was markedly different.
"My behaviour towards them never changed. The situation changed because they changed their attitude towards me. I always tried to be, how to put it... I admired them. And I still consider them to be the ones who paved the way for me," Djokovic said.
"From the moment I felt that coldness and distance from him, I told myself: 'Okay, no problem.' Then, when they approached me, I welcomed them with open arms," he confessed. "I always felt like I understood him better. We're almost the same age, so maybe that's why."
Despite the dynamics of their relationship during the peak of their rivalry, the troika grew closer towards the twilight of their careers. This was evident at the Laver Cup, where they often came together as part of Team Europe and even shared the court in doubles. All three were also present at Federer’s farewell event at the 2022 Laver Cup, and reunited earlier this year at Nadal’s tribute ceremony at Roland Garros.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.