He goes because I’m still going – Novak Djokovic on his rivalry with Rafael Nadal

The World No.1 Novak Djokovic has shared an epic rivalry with Rafael Nadal over the years. Both the veterans have given some great matches to the tennis fans and they are still going strong despite being in their mid-30s.

The two have faced each other 59 times, including in all four major finals, with Djokovic leading 30–29 overall. Djokovic leads 15–13 in finals of all levels, while Nadal leads 11–7 at the majors, including 5–4 in major finals.

The last time these two had met on the tour was in the quarterfinals of the Roland Garros 2022, in which Nadal had won in four sets.

“Well, best rival that I ever had, biggest rival that I ever had,” said the Serb when asked on his rivalry with Nadal while talking to Tennis TV. “We played, what, 59 times against each other, I mean, the most that any two players faced each other in the history of the game.”

The Serb added that both of them push each other to the limits and many tennis fans and pundits want them to keep going strong until they can.

“We still keep going strong,” he said. “I’m happy that we both are challenging the young guns for the biggest titles. And I think that probably there is also a big reason why we still compete on a high level is because, you know, he goes because I’m still going, or other way round.

“I think that’s great about this rivalry,” he continued. “And I feel like many people around the world who follow sports and tennis, they still want us to keep going, until we can’t go anymore!” he laughed.

The Serbian also admitted that Nadal will a favorite in the upcoming Roland Garros. Nadal has won 14 French Open titles in his career.

“He’s always, of course, the main favorite on any clay court event, particularly Paris. Let’s see, we both want to peak there, no doubt about it. So, let’s see what happens.”

Djokovic won the opening round match against Tomas Machac in the ongoing Dubai Duty-Free Champions whereas Nadal is currently recuperating from a hip injury, which he suffered in the Australian Open.