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Djokovic on competing with Nadal and Federer: Angry that I was part of that era

Djokovic on competing with Nadal and Federer: Angry that I was part of that era

Although all-time tennis great Novak Djokovic says his rivalry with Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer made him the player he is today, the Serb was initially "angry" about being part of the golden era.

"They made me stronger, both mentally and physically, my game improved because of all these games we played against each other, mainly because of the games I lost to them, some big games."

Djokovic on competing with Nadal and Federer: Angry that I was part of that era

In his first interview since pulling out of the Miami Open over visa issues, Djokovic said he has no regrets after surrendering the world No.1 ranking to Carlos Alcaraz and also having to miss Indian Wells in the United States this month. Djokovic is not allowed to travel to the US due to his decision not to get vaccinated against Covid-19. On Monday, Djokovic surrendered the top men's singles ranking, which the 35-year-old has held for more weeks than any other player, to the 19-year-old Spaniard after he was forced to miss Indian Wells. Djokovic is also out of the Miami Open this week.

I really want to play there, I want to be there. I actually had in 2021 when I lost in the final against Daniil Medvedev, probably one of the best moments I've ever had with the New York crowd. And I've been lucky enough to win that tournament three times, play a lot of finals. Even though I lost that match, I got a lot of love and appreciation from the people and I want to go back and reconnect with the crowd there. So that's something I'm looking forward to and hopefully it will happen." I got a lot of love and appreciation from people and I want to go back and reconnect with the crowd there. So that's something I'm looking forward to and hopefully it will happen." I got a lot of love and appreciation from people and I want to go back and reconnect with the crowd there. So that's something I'm looking forward to and hopefully it will happen."

For now, Djokovic's focus has shifted to the upcoming clay court season in Europe. Of his 22 Grand Slam singles titles, tying him with Rafael Nadal for the most in men's tennis, Djokovic has twice won the French Open, the other major on the tennis calendar.

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