Novak: More Respect For Roger
Sharing the court as Roger Federer’s partner has given Novak Djokovic renewed respect for the 20-time Grand Slam champion.The Wimbledon champion inadvertently drilled Federer when the pair partnered in doubles together at Laver Cup last month.Thiem: Allow Coaching From BoxThe third-ranked Serbian said practicing and chatting together at Laver Cup has deepened his respect for his rival.“It was a very unique experience. I have never experienced being on the same side of the court with him before,” Djokovic told the media in Shanghai. “I was very excited. I was looking forward to it. I know he was, as well. I thought we had a blast on the court. We had fantastic time.We enjoyed competing. I enjoyed training with him before that, preparing for that doubles match, tactically talking a lot about tennis in those four, five days, talking a lot about life and different subjects, family.”
Djokovic said while doubles has strengthened the pair’s relationship, it won’t diminish the intensity of their rivalry.“You know, I think in terms of respect, you know, at least from my side towards him, it has gotten to even a higher level of respect, and I think this kind of experience in Chicago has strengthened our relationship,” Djokovic said. “But obviously it’s not going to affect our rivalry. I think if we play each other and when we play each other next, you know, we want to win against each other. That’s not going to change.”
Photo credit: Christopher Levy ]]>
