‘Roger Federer’s impact on the game of Tennis has been tremendous’ – Novak Djokovic
When Roger Federer announced his retirement from competitive tennis, Novak Djokovic penned down a heartfelt note for him. Djokovic said that he will miss the rivalries with Roger Federer and the tough competition that they used to have but more importantly he will miss Roger Federer as a true friend and as a superstar in the great game of tennis.
The two will turn friends from rivals as they will play together for Team Europe in the Laver Cup which will be Roger Federer’s last swansong in tennis after which he will retire.
”His impact on the game has been tremendous, the way he was playing, his style, effortless, just perfect for an eye of a tennis coach, player or just a tennis fan,” Serbian Djokovic told reporters on Wednesday at London’s Tower Bridge. “He has left a huge legacy that will live for a very long time.”
“Both Andy and I didn’t know that this is going to be his last match, his farewell this weekend, so that makes this occasion even greater because he’s one of the greatest athletes ever to play sport, any sport,” said Djokovic, who is one major title behind Nadal’s men’s record of 22.”His popularity on and off the court speaks for itself. So, I’m sure we’re going to have a blast this weekend.”
The Laver Cup will be the first time since the 2019 Australian Open that Federer, Nadal, Murray and Djokovic are playing together.
“It’s great we will have a chance to spend some quality time off the court together,” Djokovic told Eurosport.
“We have team dinners and will chat about tennis, sports, life. We don’t normally do that on tour, we have our own teams and families, so this is quite unique. “We all want to win and perform well but at the same time because of Roger’s farewell and the opportunity to be alongside some of my greatest rivals in my career you also want to share some good times off the court too.
“The WhatsApp group is what keeps us together.”
