- Novak Djokovic reveals he wants one more match against a long-term rival
- He was speaking to reporters after his three-set win over Hubert Hurkacz
- The Serbian will finish the year as world No 1 following his recent win
Tennis star Novak Djokovic reveals he wants ‘at least one more’ match against a long-term rival.
Djokovic was speaking to reporters after his three-set win over Hubert Hurkacz at the ATP Finals.
The Serbian has enjoyed a remarkable 2023 despite losing to Carlos Alcaraz at Wimbledon in the final. In June, he sealed a record 23rd Grand Slam title after seeing off Norway’s Casper Ruud 7-6, 6-3, 7-5 in the French Open final.
Back in September, the 36-year-old defeated Daniil Medvedev in straight sets to win the US Open.
Following his recent win over Holger Rune, Djokovic is guaranteed to finish the year as world No 1. Heading into 2024, the Serbian is eyeing up a hug match against a big rival.
Tennis star Novak Djokovic reveals he wants ‘at least one more’ match against a long-term rival
The Serbian was speaking to reporters after his win against Hubert Hurkacz at the ATP Finals
Djokovic told reporters yesterday that he is looking for at least one more match with tennis legend Rafael Nadal.
Speaking to reporters, the 36-year-old said: ‘It would be nice for the sport to have at least one more match between Nadal and me.
‘That’s the biggest rivalry, in terms of the amount of matches played, that this sport has ever had. So hopefully that can happen.
‘He’s a big warrior, he’s somebody who never gives up and with all the injuries that he had, keeps going.
‘That’s definitely something that you have to respect and admire about him and his spirit.
‘For the world of tennis, no doubt that it’s amazing news that he will be back.’
Nadal hasn’t featured in a competitive match since suffering a hip injury against Mackenzie McDonald at the Australian Open in January.
However, the 22-time Grand Slam winner underwent surgery in the summer and is targeting a return to action next year.
Rafael Nadal hasn’t featured in a competitive match since suffering a hip injury in January
The tennis legend recently provided an update on his recovery and reveals that he has no lost the desire to play
The Spaniard recently provided an update on his recovery and reveals that he has no lost the desire to play.
‘I sincerely believe that I will return to play,’ Nadal said at the Clinica del Tenis, according to Marca.
‘I can’t say at what level I’ll be able to return, but I’ve never lost the desire to play and now it seems that things are going in the right direction.
‘I’m training and I’m happy. It’s a good time in my life. This is a step forward without any doubt, and it’s a lot for me. I haven’t played for a year and for me personal success, which is often more powerful than overall success, is to continue to imagine returning to play.’
