Novak Djokovic ‘overwhelmed’ by Rafael Nadal retirement as Serb makes upsetting claim
Novak Djokovic got candid as he addressed Rafael Nadal’s retirement.
Novak Djokovic interview
Novak Djokovic admitted he was ‘overwhelmed’ by his rivals’ retirements
Novak Djokovic made a frank confession about his own career a day after Rafael Nadal announced his upcoming retirement.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion will end his glittering career at next month’s Davis Cup Finals. Djokovic reacted to the news with a heartfelt social media post on Thursday and vowed to be there “in person” for the farewell.
after winning his Shanghai Masters quarter-final on Friday, revealing that his rivals’ retirements were “overwhelming”.
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Djokovic stormed back to beat 19-year-old Jakub Mensik 6-7(4) 6-1 6-4 in the Shanghai Masters quarter-final on Friday. It was the Serb’s first tour-level meeting with the teenager.
He will have to get used to being the veteran holding off the young, rising stars as another of his old rivals is set to end their career. Following the retirements of Roger Federer and Andy Murray, Nadal will be the next member of the ‘Big Four’ to say goodbye, leaving Djokovic standing alone
And it’s a reality that the Serb is already finding difficult to grasp. Asked about Nadal’s retirement announcement after his quarter-final victory, Djokovic replied: ” Well I posted you saw it on Instagram. I meant every word.
“You know, he’s been my greatest rival. The rivalry I had with him has impacted me the most in my career by far.”
