Novak Djokovic: Rivalries with Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray have made me stronger
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Updated 14/05/2023 at 19:22 GMT
Novak Djokovic reached the last 16 of the Italian Open with a three-set victory over Grigor Dimitrov. The 22-time Grand Slam champion spoke afterwards about his rivalries with Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray, and how he was pleased with his "solid" display despite being taken the distance. Djokovic faces British No. 1 Cameron Norrie in the next round.
Djokovic: I've gotten stronger because of Federer, Nadal and Murray
Novak Djokovic says he has become “stronger” in the face of “difficult circumstances” thanks to his rivalries with Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray.
The quartet have been the dominant players on the ATP Tour for most of the last 20 years.
They have faced off in a number of Grand Slam finals and high-profile matches, and between them held the world No. 1 spot from 2004 until 2022.
Speaking after battling through to the last 16 of the Italian Open with victory over Grigor Dimitrov, Djokovic reflected on how his long-time rivalries have helped him play his best tennis when under pressure.
“Luckily for me in my career I managed to win more matches than those that I lost when I was facing difficult circumstances,” he said.
“I also lost a lot of matches, particularly in the beginning of my career. For a few years, whenever I needed to make that final step or win a Slam, I didn’t manage to do that, so I learned a lot.
“I got stronger because of the rivalries, particularly with Federer, Nadal and Murray. Just staying the course, staying patient and believing in the process and the journey...understanding what works for you best, what's your winning formula mentally and also physically and emotionally, and then sticking to it.”
Djokovic was a set and a break up on Dimitrov, but couldn’t close out the win in straight sets.
He was still, though, pleased with his display as he booked a last-16 meeting with British No. 1 Cameron Norrie.
“I think I could have won in straight sets,” said Djokovic.
“I was a set and 4-2 up and had a pretty decent forehand in the middle of the court at deuce on his serve and missed that. He held his serve well, we had new balls the next game, I did a double fault, the crowd got into it and got behind him and of course the energy of the place and the of the match changed.
“I dropped my level a bit, but luckily I managed find it right away in the first game [of the third set], made that crucial break and kind of shifted the momentum to my side, so I’m really pleased with the way I closed out the match.”
Djokovic is bidding to reach the quarter-finals of the Italian Open for the 17th time from as many appearances.
He is the defending champion in Rome and is set to lose the world No. 1 to Carlos Alcaraz after the tournament.
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