Djokovic on Federer: ‘A profession that set the tone for excellence and integrity’

Twenty-four hours after the announcement of Roger Federer’s retirement, Novak Djokovic lastly joined the numerous tributes paid the day earlier than to the Basel legend on Friday. In a message posted on his Instagram account, the Serb spoke of “greater than a decade of unbelievable moments and clashes”. He pursues:

“Roger, it is laborious to reside by means of this and put into phrases every thing we have shared on this sport collectively. Your profession has set the tone for what it means to realize excellence and dominate with integrity and composure.”

Learn additionally: ‘Above all, I felt extremely alive’: Roger Federer’s farewell letter to professional tennis

Even in Serbia…

Djokovic then made an appointment with Federer in London for the following Laver Cup (September 23-25). The Serb shall be a part of the European crew made up of Basel – for his final “competitors” –, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray. The latter has nonetheless not reacted publicly to the announcement of the Grasp’s retirement.

Djokovic’s silence since Thursday, contrasting with Rafael Nadal’s eagerness to greet his “pal and rival” and to assert to have hoped “that this present day by no means comes”, has earned the Serb some remarks on the networks. Even the Serbian every day Mail was shocked, captioning on his web site: “Novak’s message to Federer is lacking”.

Our editorial: Roger Federer, Mr Tennis

Remoted within the “Massive three”

Djokovic, a divisive character, has all the time been remoted throughout the “Massive three”, the place Nadal and Federer have usually displayed their friendship. Collectively, the Swiss and the Spaniard have additionally generally distanced themselves from the Serb, specifically when the latter introduced in 2020 the creation of a brand new affiliation {of professional} tennis gamers unbiased of the ATP, ignoring requires unity of his rivals.

However Djokovic by no means had any hassle recognizing Federer’s extraordinary expertise, even a type of admiration. “Unattainable to not marvel if he’s from the identical planet”, he had notably launched a couple of years in the past.