It was on Thursday that Rafael Nadal announced what many had sensed. His career will end after the season.
A message that surprised rival Novak Djokovic – who praises the Spaniard.
He is still the greatest rival I have ever had. He has affected me a lot as a player and my development. He has inspired many people around the world, says Djokovic.
The 37-year-old Serb is currently playing the ATP tournament in Shanghai, China. After the victory over the Czech talent Jakub Mensik, 2–1 in sets, he was asked about Nadal and the fact that he himself continues to play tennis.
I'm playing, as you know, still. But a big part of me disappeared with them, he says, referring to Federer, Murray, and Nadal.
World number four Djokovic continues:
The era of the four musketeers and the rivalry we had was incredible. I'm a bit overwhelmed, to be honest. But I still have the desire to play.
In the ATP tournament, Djokovic advances to the semifinal. There, he will face American Taylor Fritz. In the other semifinal, Italian world number one Jannik Sinner will play Czech Tomas Machac.
