Djokovic plays down Federer retirement with six-word Nadal comment

Novak Djokovic downplayed Roger Federer’s retirement as he maintains his rivalry with Rafael Nadal (Image: Getty)Novak Djokovic has downplayed the significance of Roger Federer’s retirement marking the end of the Big Three era as he reminded fans his rivalry with Rafael Nadal was still well and truly alive. Both men were present for the end of Federer’s career at the Laver Cup in September, which came just weeks after 19-year-old Carlos Alcaraz signalled a changing of the guard by winning the US Open and becoming world No 1.Federer’s 24-year career drew to a close at the Laver Cup just over a month ago, as the Swiss icon returned from a 14-month hiatus for his last dance, playing one final match alongside Nadal in the doubles before remaining on Team Europe’s bench to cheer on the rest of the squad – including Djokovic – over the weekend.Many saw the 41-year-old’s retirement as the beginning of the end of the Big Three era, especially with Alcaraz’s recent success at the US Open as he became the first teenager to win a Grand Slam since Nadal in 2005 and the youngest world No 1 in ATP history, signalling the start of a new generation. But Djokovic has now downplayed the significance of Federer’s retirement as he remains motivated to keep battling with Nadal to make history in the sport. ‘I live in a very special moment of tennis history, maybe the greatest, and I feel incredibly honoured to be in a situation to write the history of our sport,’ the 21-time Grand Slam champion told the RMC podcast. As Djokovic discussed Federer’s recent retirement, he was quick to reassure fans that the Big Three lived on through himself and Nadal with a six-word message.JUST IN: Murray slams ‘unacceptable’ Paris Masters loss as he admits mistakes Roger Federer retired at the Laver Cup (Image: Getty)The 90-time title winner claimed that ‘a big rivalry was still running’ between himself and the current world No 2, downplaying any speculation of an imminent retirement for himself or Nadal. ‘The moment hasn’t come, either for him or for me,’ he added.And Djokovic is still vying to match some of Federer’s records following the 41-year-old’s retirement, as he has a chance to equal the Swiss star’s haul of six titles at the ATP Finals this year in Turin. The world No 7 currently has five trophies from the year-end championships to his name.DON’T MISSRafael Nadal admits he has ‘body issue’ ahead of tennis returnNadal makes ranking confession after Alcaraz discusses No 1 ‘fight’Nick Kyrgios can’t resist Wimbledon dig after ATP qualification Novak Djokovic has not won the ATP Finals since 2015 (Image: Getty)