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

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