By Daily Sports on May 6, 2018
Former World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has claimed that he has never had any issues with Swiss great Roger Federer, but he does not share a close friendship with him or 16-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal.
Djokovic has suffered a terrible loss of form after making his return to competitive tennis at the start of the year, losing in the fourth round of the Australian Open followed by first round defeats in Indian Wells and Miami. Although he did win two consecutive matches at the Monte Carlo Masters, any hopes of a revival in his form were short-lived as he was beaten by Dominic Thiem of Austria in the round of 16 before being dumped out of the Barcelona Open in the second round.
The Serbian was recently quizzed about the kind of relationships he shares with the likes of Federer, Nadal and Andy Murray. And the 12-time Major winner responded by saying that even though he isn’t close friends with any one of them, he does respect each one of them.
“We should first define what’s friendship,” Djokovic told Russian outlet Novosti.
“I think that the most important thing is that the relationship is fair and respectful.
“We play big matches with much money at stake in the biggest events because of this I don’t see enough space for an honest friendship.
“I think it’s enough for us to have a correct relationship and respect each other.”
“I never had issues with Roger,” Djokovic added.
“I feel maximum respect for him because he had a great influence on all of us and tennis in general.
“With (Rafael) Nadal and (Andy) Murray we are of the same generation, we grew up together and they helped me to get where I was.
“Anyway, I don’t hate anyone, the word “hate” is not in my vocabulary.” (UBtennis.net)
•Photo shows Djokovic (R) and Federer
Source Daily Sports
Posted May 6, 2018
You may also like...
Not ready to retire, Pacquiao lists potential opponents...
Wilder blasts Joshua, says fight contract did not...
Ahmedu backs Oyedeji to steady Nigerian basketball
Playing in China better than sitting on bench:...
Red hot Man City just can’t stop winning...
How Messi won El Clasico for Barca

Itauma unfazed by Usyk threat
Arsenal win English Premier League after Man City draw at Bournemouth
AFCON qualifiers: Nigeria face Madagascar, Tanzania, G’Bissau
FIFA WORLD CUP 2026: Dreaming of Olise, Musiala, Eze, Saka - Priceless Jewels Nigeria Lost to Treachery
D’Tigress star Musa wins historic French double
2026 WTT Contender Lagos serves off
Tabugbo eyes Commonwealth Games success
Adeshina to headline PFL Africa Lagos debut
Amusan targets World Ultimate Champs qualification
Joshua, Fury must not lose next fight – Hearn
I’m enjoying best period of my career – Osimhen
EFN, NUC move to integrate esports into Nigerian varsitie
Rangers International going, going . . . (63,785 views)
Amaju Pinnick: A cat with nine lives (55,107 views)
Second Term: Amaju Pinnick, Other NFF Heavyweights Home to Roost •How Pinnick Broke the Jinx (53,064 views)
Current issues in Nigerian sports: Matters arising (52,630 views)
Sports Development: Zenith Bank on the zenith (52,546 views)
Missing $150,000 IAAF Grant: Solomon Dalung’s Hide and Seek game (52,448 views)
Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje’s solid footprints, commitment to sports development in Kano State (52,286 views)
NFF Presidency: Pinnick, Maigari, Ogunjobi, Okoye in Battle for Supremacy (51,843 views)
Olopade, BET9A wave of revolution in NNL (51,029 views)
Commonwealth Games 2018: Shame of Muhammadu Buhari, Solomon Dalung (49,527 views)
Ibrahimovic’s Man U exit: Whose decision is it? And in whose interest? (47,954 views)
John Mikel Obi: Segun Odegbami’s Outrageous Call! (47,403 views)