Novak Djokovic explains how Roger Federer has guided him since retirement… ‘He helped me a lot’
The Novak Djokovic and Federer rivalry was one of the highlights of the sport for nearly two decades, but the Serbian has revealed how his nemesis has helped him since retirement.
The two men met 50 times on the ATP Tour, with Djokovic just edging their head-to-head with 27 victories.
That includes five Grand Slam finals, where Federer only managed to beat the Serbian on one occasion at the US Open in 2007.
Despite his excellent record against the Swiss superstar, Djokovic has revealed the guidance he’s been given by Federer over the past two years.
Novak Djokovic has followed Roger Federer’s schedule
At 38, Djokovic realises he can’t follow the hectic ATP Tour schedule by the book and he now selectively chooses what tournaments he plays.
He’s following in the footsteps of Federer, who slowed down his schedule during the twilight of his illustrious career.
“Not everyone is cut out to compete at the top, and that’s normal,” said Djokovic to the (Ne)uspjeh prvaka podcast.
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The tennis icon added: “But there are ways. Federer helped me a lot in that regard, not directly but indirectly.”
Djokovic looked at how Federer handled himself during the final years of his career and how he was able to still compete at the very top of the sport.
“I observed how he planned his schedule,” explained the 24-time Grand Slam champion. “He helped me understand how to manage my form, when to take a break, even if I didn’t want to.”
Djokovic is set to play Wimbledon in June and July, which could end up being his last. The Serbian has dropped several hints about stepping away from the sport in the next year.
Novak Djokovic reveals what is keeping him going
Djokovic has won more Grand Slams than anyone else in history, and holds a bundle of records that are unlikely to be beaten.
Which begs the question as to why the Serbian superstar is continuing his career, despite a barren Grand Slam run that has not seen him win since the 2023 US Open.
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According to the star, he is waiting for a very particular tournament, in 2028! The star reportedly wants to play the 2028 Olympic games.
“The only thing that I have in my head, which gives me motivation, is the Olympics of 2028 in Los Angeles,” said Djokovic in the same interview.
For a long time, the Olympic gold medal had eluded Djokovic, but he finally won the honour at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
