“Hope to play Rafael Nadal at least one more time before he retires, he is my most important rival” – Novak Djokovic

World No.1 Novak Djokovic is hopeful of playing his arch-rival Rafael Nadal at least one more time before the latter announces his retirement. The Serbian said Nadal is his most important rival as both of them have pushed each other to the limits in their respective careers. Nadal has confirmed that 2024 will be his swansong season on the tour.

Nadal recently returned back to action on the tour in the Barcelona Open but lost to Australia’s Alex de Minaur in the second round. The Spaniard said he will give his all in the French Open if he stays fit.

On the other hand, Novak Djokovic lost the Australian Open semifinal against Jannik Sinner and the Serbian will be looking to clinch his first Grand Slam title of the year.

Nadal and Djokovic have shared an epic rivalry with the former winning 29 matches whereas the latter has come out victorious in 30 games.

While Nadal will play in the upcoming Madrid Masters, Djokovic has pulled out of the tournament.

“I have a lot of respect for a legend like him, with whom I hope to be able to play at least one more time before he retires,” Djokovic said after being named the 2024 Laureus Sportsman of the Year.

“I have a lot of respect for Rafa, he is a good person and a legend of our sport, he is my most important rival . In Australia, I said I hoped to see him in one or two tournaments and I hope to do that,” Djokovic added.

Nadal will take on 16-year-old youngster Darwin Blanc in the opening round of the Madrid Masters.

Meanwhile, Nadal and Djokovic could face each other in the upcoming Roland Garros, which is all set to begin on May 20 in Paris. Rafael Nadal is up 8-2 against Novak Djokovic in their French Open head-to-head.