Novak Djokovic on Federer and Nadal: "We are not friends"—but years from now, let's do dinner

In a wide-ranging conversation with Jon Wertheim on '60 Minutes', the world No. 1 explains his love for tennis records, and what's next for him, Roger and Rafa.

ByEd McGrogan

Published Dec 09, 2023

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Novak Djokovic is an open book with Tennis Channel’s Jon Wertheim on this Sunday’s episode of 60 Minutes (Sunday, December 10 at 7:30 PM, ET/PT after the football game on CBS and streaming on Paramount+)—and may well be with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, too.

Just not for a little while.

Responding to a question from Wertheim about his relationship with his two principal rivals, the 36-year-old world No. 1 says that while the “greatest respect is always there, at least from my side,” a bit of distance is necessary for the trio to truly come together.

“I would like to. I would really like to,” says Djokovic about a friendly future with Roger and Rafa. “Personally, I would like to. I mean, I know that obviously (laughs) we didn’t get along so well throughout our careers in, like, off court. And we are not friends because, you know, we’re rivals and it’s difficult as competitors to be very close and kind of share and give insights to you know, to your life or to how you feel because, you know, it could be used against you.

Novak Djokovic and Jon Wertheim discuss a variety of on- and off-court topics in Sunday's interview.

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We are not friends because, you know, we’re rivals and it’s difficult as competitors to be very close and kind of share and give insights to you know, to your life or to how you feel because, you know, it could be used against you. Novak Djokovic to Jon Wertheim

“But we have shared the stage for so many years. And I think the greatest respect is always there, at least from my side, towards them. So yeah, I hope that one day, when the curtains are slightly more closed, that we are, yeah, able to sit down and, and reflect. It would be, it would be amazing.”

The Serbian, who recently secured a record-extending eighth year-end No. 1 finish on the ATP tour, also discussed his seemingly unquenchable desire for setting more tennis records. Djokovic has surpassed Federer by four Grand Slam singles titles, with 24, and Nadal by two. But there’s been no sign of slowdown, in physical ability or in mental motivation.

“I love winning,” says Djokovic with a laugh. “There is no doubt about it. I’m inspired and motivated by records.”

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The Serbian's devotion to physical fitness is well known, and may be the key to rewriting the sport's history books even further.

Djokovic also feels it’s “strange” that other players aren’t as open about their thrist for achievement, and that it can even be interpreted as slight.

“I mean, for me, that’s completely normal,” Djokovic says. “Like, being honest about it and being your authentic self, and expressing what you feel. I’m just trying to be true to myself and to others and say what my goals and objectives are. So it’s as simple as that.”

Watch the clip exclusive to Tennis Channel at the top of this story; for the full interview, tune into 60 Minutes on Sunday, December 10 at at 7:30 PM, ET/PT after the football game on CBS and streaming on Paramount+

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