Djokovic chooses the man who could break his records: "He will complete his Grand Slam soon"

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Novak Djokovic is an open book when the recorder begins its work. Rarely do the Serbian's interviews leave anyone indifferent: he holds nothing back, brings depth to his reflections, and tries to justify the vast majority of his arguments with an eloquence that goes beyond what is usual for an athlete. His latest great feature was for the latest cover of the prestigious GQ magazine, and some of his most interesting thoughts refer to the past, present, and future of tennis, with issues involving names like Rafael Nadal or Roger Federer.

Although Nole elaborated on matters that will also be discussed on this website (including history, politics, and the debate on when and how he will retire from professional tennis), those referring to competition, whether past, present, or future, are of utmost relevance and deserve all our attention. Especially when the Serbian expresses optimism that his records will be broken at some point... and selects two names as top candidates to accomplish this feat, although one stands out above the rest.

"People say my records will never be broken. I doubt that. Carlos (Alcaraz) could be the next big thing. Even Jannik (Sinner). If they truly take care of their bodies, do things the right way, focusing on longevity and the long term, they can achieve it," Djokovic points out, highlighting the four Grand Slams that the 21-year-old from Murcia has already won. "Carlos has done something that nobody has achieved at such a young age. The odds are in his favor. He will complete the Career Grand Slam very soon."

These are significant words that demonstrate the respect Novak feels for the tennis of one of his great rivals, although he is quick to advise a certain caution when expressing ambition. "He himself has said he wants to make history. He wants to be "the best in history". I respect that mindset, I respect that way of thinking that you have what it takes. However, perhaps it's a bit too early yet to think about history."

A DEEP REFLECTION ON HIS RIVALRY AND PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH NADAL AND FEDERER

It's almost obligatory to ask Novak about the two people who have shaped his career. Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer play a pivotal role in many of his successes, as well as his greatest disappointments. However, finding a new angle with which to approach Djokovic in relation to his two greatest nemeses proves to be challenging: let's start with the imposing figure that Rafael Nadal became in the locker room before each match.

"Nadal is the most imposing. Yes, definitely. Roger also had a huge aura. Before facing him, you felt it, but it was in a more elegant way, you know? I saw once that they asked Rafa (about his pregame ritual) and he said he never did anything to intimidate his opponent. I thought: 'Hmm... I'm not so sure'. He was famous for that, you saw him sprinting in the locker room... he wanted his presence to be felt. Physical. I'm here. I'm running all over the place, I'm ready for battle, it's going to be a physical matter from the start, from minute one you're going to hear me. That's intimidating for many players, and if you don't trust yourself, if you don't have a game plan on what you want to do from the start, he's going to eat you alive."

Those recollections are part of the past. Now, with Rafa and Roger out of the picture, Novak remains as the last leg of a table that served unforgettable menus to the fans of this sport. Many even dream of a meeting between these three names who, at some point, failed to connect on a personal level.

"Right now, I don't see them much, but the rivalry we had will be eternal, I believe. It's something that leaves an indelible mark and legacy, something that will last forever. I'm very proud to be part of this group. My rivalries with both of them toughened me up like nothing else has throughout my entire career," states Novak. But we want to know more: we want to delve into the more intimate Djokovic, into the coming and going of three relationships that didn't always turn into friendship.

"Privately, there have always been ups and downs, to be honest. I always tried to be respectful and friendly off the court, but I didn't receive acceptance at first, because I went out on the court saying and showing that I was going to win. I think neither of them liked that in the early years, especially because most players went out to play against them, not to beat them. Because of that confident stance, maybe they distanced themselves. And that's okay, I accepted it. I understood the message: we were rivals and nothing more. If we're honest, it's very challenging to be friends with someone on the circuit. If you're constantly competing for the top one, two, and three in the world... it's hard to expect dinners and family trips together."

Djokovic's candid narrative refers to moments of the past, to a landscape that doesn't match the present. And the future, for the Serbian, is much more hopeful... a time to build bonds and bridges. "The last times I've been with Roger we talked about family, about being away. I wish to connect much more with both, on a deeper level. Truly. I don't know if they share the same desire, but I do. It depends on where life guides us all. We live in different places, but I think tennis can bring us together at some point."

The Serbian's reflection goes further, hoping to share a dinner or a glass of wine with Roger and Rafa. It envisions, of course, a future where the fierce competitiveness of the circuit doesn't pose an insurmountable barrier. "I would love to sit down with them, open up, and talk about the things that bothered them (laughs), what bothered everyone about me! Or vice versa, whatever. Let it all out there. I would also love to study their minds, understand what they were thinking or how they handled different situations on the court, the pressure on your shoulders when you're at the top of the world.

I have my observations, because I observed them as they did with me over the years, but it's different when you hear it firsthand. I hope that in such a relaxed setting, one day we can open up and reflect. It would be great for everyone, but I also think it would send a strong message to tennis and sports fans, to see the three of us together." A wish that, let's not deny it, Nole, we would love to see come true.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Djokovic elige al hombre que podría romper sus récords: "Va a completar su Grand Slam pronto"