Like Federer’s farewell, Djokovic wants rivals at his swansong

Novak Djokovic said he wants his biggest rivals to be by his side when he brings the curtain down on his career, much like Roger Federer’s emotional goodbye to the game last week.

Djokovic and Andy Murray – two of Federer’s other main rivals – were also present for the 41-year-old’s final bow.

“It was just a very touching, very emotional moment,” Djokovic on Tuesday in Tel Aviv, where he will play an ATP 250 event this week.

“Seeing his kids and his family, it got me emotional as well. I also must say I was thinking about how it would look for me when I say goodbye to tennis.”

“There is definitely one thing that I will wish to have, other than, of course, my family and the close people in my life, I would love to have my biggest rivals and competitors there.”

The 35-year-old, who is one major title behind Nadal’s men’s record of 22, said felt no issues with his wrist, which had been bothering him during the Laver Cup in London last week.

The Spaniard remains his biggest rival.

“We played the most matches against each other of any other rivalry in the history of tennis,” Djokovic added.

“The rivalry is very special and keeps going. Hopefully, we’ll get a chance to play against each other more times. Because it’s exciting for us and also for tennis fans and sport fans around the world.”

Editor: Aniakor Obinna