King of clay courts, Nadal, had recently claimed that his rival was ‘obsessed’ with breaking records
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Novak Djokovic has responded to Rafael Nadal’s comments about him, saying he respects Nadal “more than any other player.” However, Djokovic said that he did not agree with the Spaniard’s recent comments about him. Ahead of the Barcelona Open, Nadal had opined that his rival was ‘obsessed’ with breaking records. Djokovic, who is playing Belgrade this week, said, “It is all a matter of perception and interpretation of what one says.”
“I respect Rafa, probably more than any other player in the world; he is the biggest rival I had in my life. Everything he has achieved, his dedication to tennis and the way he goes about practising and tennis in general, these traits of his are worthy of admiration.”
“He knows what sources of motivation he has, I cannot go into that. I have said a lot of times in the past that the love for the sport is the main motive why I keep playing professional tennis. I mean, guys, if I did not really love the competition there would be no other reason for me to compete, there is no pressure of any kind.”
The Serbian also went on to speak about what kept him going in his profession. “I go on playing because I still feel the fire and the desire to win, and because I have the support of my close ones. I will keep on going as long as it is like that,” he added.
Coming back to Nadal’s comments, Djokovic said, “I cannot speak on his (Nadal’s) behalf, I do not know the way he thinks, but, it is his right to voice an opinion: how he sees me in regards to records, etc.”
Djokovic explained how passion fuelled his career growth. “Personally, I do not feel that I am obsessed with anything in life; what I feel is passion and huge desire. I am going towards achieving my goals and I have never had a problem verbalising it,” he added.
“Maybe someone cannot say something and then stick to it, but I never found it hard to say: ‘I want to break that record or reach a certain goal’. I do not know why that would be a bad thing, not just in terms of records, but anything, politics in tennis for instance.”
The Serbian also said how he never had any issues in speaking publicly about his targets. “Ever since I was a young player, I did not fear voicing my goals: I wanted to be number one and to win Slams. Of course, those goals are growing – when you fulfil one, another one appears. It is my path, and it is unique, just like Rafa’s.”
