Novak Djokovic says there is a very simple reason why he can never be close friends with Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer as the Serb acknowledged that you simply don’t share personal stuff with your biggest rivals. Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer marked one era of tennis and created the famous Big Three and are widely considered the three greatest players in men’s tennis history.

“It is true that we cannot be friends because with friends you talk about everything, the good, the bad, your secrets… With your rivals I don’t think you feel very comfortable revealing all that. In the last 15 years I have seen more of Nadal and Federer than my parents.

That means they have been a very important part of my life and career. I have incredible respect for them and for the rivalry that we have maintained for so long. It has been a very long journey together and when we hang up the racket we will see it in a more relaxed way,” Djokovic told MARCA.

Novak Djokovic details why he cannot be friends with Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal

Djokovic has a great level of respect for Nadal, Federer

Last year, Djokovic was a part of Federer’s farewell at the Laver Cup. After so many great battles with Federer, Djokovic took part in the Swiss’ final tournament. This year, Nadal hasn’t played since the Australian Open due to an injury to his psoas muscle.

Nadal, 37, is planning to retire from pro tennis next year. Throughout the year, Djokovic has been speaking very respectfully whenever he is asked about Nadal. For example, Djokovic recently said that he is wishing Nadal all the best and that his comeback goes as planned.

Also, Djokovic expressed his hope to play Nadal at least one more time before the 22-time Grand Slam champion retires. It remains to be seen if Djokovic will get his wish and meet Nadal at least once in 2024.