Novak Djokovic has revealed that he never had a real off-court relationship with Roger Federer, describing their connection as purely a rivalry built on mutual respect. Speaking at the Swiss Indoors in Basel, where he is making his first appearance since 2011, the world No. 12 praised Federer's professionalism and legacy.
“To be honest, he was always professional, I always had a lot of respect for Roger. If anyone deserves the Hall of Fame, it’s him,” Djokovic said. “But we never had a relationship off the court, more of a rivalry, but we have great respect, he paved many paths for younger tennis players.”
Federer's Retirement and Recent Meetings
Federer retired at the 2022 Laver Cup, where Djokovic was his Team Europe teammate. Since then, the pair have crossed paths at various events, including the 2024 Shanghai Masters, where Federer watched Djokovic lose to Jannik Sinner in the final, and the Australian Open earlier this year, where Djokovic finished runner-up.
Djokovic, 39, won his 102nd career title in Beijing earlier this month and continues to compete on tour. He previously expressed a desire to reflect on his career with Federer and Rafael Nadal once he retires.
Djokovic's Retirement Plans and Wawrinka's Farewell
“I don't reflect fully on everything I have been through,” Djokovic said during last year's Wimbledon Championships. “I would like to, but I think that’s going to come probably when I set the racket aside and I sip a margarita on the beach with Federer and Nadal and just reflect on our rivalry and everything!”
Federer responded to the offer, telling Tages Anzeiger: “Sure. Rivalries like that create a huge bond. I see it very differently today than before, with much more distance. Novak doesn’t know what that’s like yet. Rafa is slowly getting there. When you’re still playing, you can’t think about it the way I do today. The more time passes, the less you identify yourself as an individual player and the more you see the big picture. What’s funny is: Someone might have taken something totally personally—and you can’t even remember it anymore. I’m definitely up for sitting down together and talking about the good old days.”
While Djokovic has not indicated retirement is imminent, another rival, Stan Wawrinka, retired on home soil in Basel on Tuesday night, losing 7-5 7-6(2) to No. 8 seed Jiri Lehecka. Djokovic, who has a good relationship with Wawrinka off the court, paid tribute to the three-time Major champion.
“We’ve had great battles over the years, we all talk about my age, but what about his age?! I have a lot of respect for him and what he's done, everything he's achieved in tennis. What stands out and impresses me is the last few years of his career,” Djokovic said. “To be a three-time Grand Slam champion, a legend, played challengers and fought his way up the ranks, that's really amazing... That stands out. That spirit that also has love for sports, for tennis. It doesn't matter if he is playing a Grand Slam final or a Challenger, he brings those emotions. Tennis will surely miss him. One of the best backhands of all time will be missed. I always had a good relationship with him off the court.”
