Djokovic: “Alcarath is great, I would like to quit like Federer”

Novak Djokovic is recovering from his last match at Wimbledon and played a doubles match on the tour on Wednesday (28/9) and a singles match in Tel Aviv tomorrow (29/9).

It is worth noting that the Serbian tennis player also took part in the Laver Cup tournament and put in an excellent performance against Tiafos, but lost to Aliasim, who also faced a wrist problem.

The injury problem that plagued him appears to be over and gives Tel Aviv his own battle as he needs points to climb the world rankings but also for the race to the ATP Finals where he looks unlikely to qualify.

“I missed some big tournaments this year because I wasn’t allowed to travel to some countries. I thought about it with my team and committed to play the Laver Cup in London so I wanted to make a connection to be on tour 3 weeks in a row.

Tel Aviv was the perfect place for me, I’ve been coming for a long time and the last time I was here was a fantastic experience. Recently I also had collaborations with Israelis, my coach” said Djokovic, who was asked who he thinks is the greatest opponent of his career.

“In every tournament I play, every player I face becomes a great opponent that I want to beat. But if you ask me who my biggest rival is on the tour in general, I have to say without a doubt Nadal. He’s still on tour, our rivalry is one of the greatest in the history of the sport and very special. I hope to have more chances to play against him because every time it’s exciting for tennis and for the sport.” he reported.

Djokovic also emphasized that Alkarath is at the top of the next generation: “Alkarath is now world No. 1 and Grand Slam champion and the leader of the younger generation. And there are still many players who have been in the elite for a long time, such as Medvedev, Tsitsipas, Zverev or Rublev. It’s the natural course of things, the responsibility falls on the shoulders of the younger ones to carry that burden, but I don’t think Rafa and I will give up that easily.” commented.

Finally, he referred to what he experienced in London and Federer’s departure: “I have the utmost respect for him for everything he has done in his career, for the way he has contributed to our sport, on and off the pitch.

“He’s had an epic career to be proud of, he’s left his own legend, he’s changed the sport and he’s one of the most recognizable athletes in the entire world. It was a sad moment for the sport of tennis, but I think it couldn’t have been a better way to say goodbye to tennis.

With his biggest rivals there, his family and all his friends from London. It was a very touching moment to see his children and family there, and it also made me think of my own farewell. I would also like to do it with my closest rivals, along with my family, all of which made this moment so special.”

Source: tennis24