Novak Djokovic wants to celebrate his farewell like Roger Federer
Novak Djokovic wants to say goodbye to tennis just like Roger Federer.
by Florian Goosmann
last edit: Sep 28, 2022, 05:10 pm
The Djoker explained this at a press conference in the run-up to the ATP tournament in Tel Aviv.
Djokovic was at the start of the Laver Cup last Friday and witnessed Roger Federer's last official match (alongside Rafael Nadal) up close, was visibly upset and finally initiated Federer being carried across the pitch on hands.
Djokovic now explained that he would also like his biggest rivals to be there for his last appearance.
"It was a very touching, very emotional moment," said Djokovic in Tel Aviv. "Even when I saw his children and his family, it got me emotional."
And that's exactly what made him think about what it could look like when he said goodbye. That family and close friends would be there - of course. "But I would like to have my biggest rivals and competitors there too. It created something special, made the moment even more important."
Djokovic described Rafael Nadal as his biggest rival. "We've played the most matches against each other of any great rivalry in tennis history." He hopes there will be a few more to come.
Djokovic celebrates his farewell with Jonathan Erlich in Tel Aviv
That will certainly not be the case this week: Nadal is currently pausing , when he will take part in tournaments again is unclear.
Djokovic, on the other hand, will meet Pablo Andujar in his opening game in Tel Aviv on Thursday from 5:30 p.m. CEST. And will possibly play in doubles afterwards: with local hero Jonathan Erlich he plays today against Sander Arends and Bart Stevens; if he wins he will have to play again tomorrow.
Erlich ends his career this week, Djokovic had won his only doubles tournament on the tour at his side and wants to accompany him in retirement .