Djokovic shares sweet Federer and Nadal moment as ‘favourite’ photo

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Novak Djokovic has taken to Instagram to share a sweet moment with his Big Three rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal from last month’s Laver Cup. Federer retired during the team tournament with his two dearest enemies by his side, and the Serb has now admitted the snap of himself with his competitors is one of his “favourites”.

Federer opted to use last month’s Laver Cup as his farewell tournament, playing one final match alongside Nadal in the doubles. Djokovic was also part of Europe’s squad in the fifth edition of the team event and enjoyed the unique opportunity to spend time with his biggest rivals and be part of the 20-time Major champion’s farewell.

The world No 7 has now shared a photo of himself with Federer and Nadal from the Laver Cup after the Swiss star’s coach Ivan Ljubicic originally posted it. “My favourite photo of tennis,” Federer’s coach of six years wrote, as Djokovic added: “One of my favourite as well,” with a series of emojis including the heart-eyes.

While the Big Three have enjoyed an intense on-court battle, they showed how special their relationship is away from competition during the three-day event in London’s O2 Arena. Djokovic gave a heartfelt tribute to Federer a day after the 41-year-old played his final match and said the 103-time title winner’s farewell was “one of the most beautiful moments that everyone has experienced live or on TV in a tennis court.”

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Despite being in a battle with Federer and Nadal to be the all-time GOAT of men’s tennis, Djokovic branded his rival “one of the greatest athletes of all time” and added: “I was just very grateful really and privileged to be alongside other Team World and Team Europe players to witness that.” 

The 21-time Grand Slam champion had played the Laver Cup just once before back in 2018, getting his own chance to team up with Federer on the doubles court as the pair lost to Kevin Anderson and Jack Sock. This time around, Djokovic partnered Matteo Berrettini as the Serb won both his matches in singles and doubles on day two but lost to Felix Auger-Aliassime on day three.

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Team Europe relinquished the trophy for the first time in Laver Cup history as Frances Tiafoe sealed victory for Team World, but Djokovic was grateful to spend time with Federer and Nadal despite losing the tournament.  “I feel like these weeks of the Laver Cup particularly are strengthening the bonds,” he said after Europe’s defeat.

“I feel like, as Roger mentioned, we get an opportunity and time to pick each other’s brains and spend quality time off the court in some really interesting conversations about tennis of course mostly and life in general, which allows us to understand and know each other better, you know, which I think is really nice.”

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