‘Novak a more difficult opponent’ – Mats Wilander on Rafael Nadal calling Roger Federer his ‘greatest rival'

Novak Djokovic has been Rafael Nadal’s «more difficult» opponent, says Mats Wilander. Seven-time Grand Slam winner Wilander was reacting after Nadal had called Roger Federer «probably my greatest rival”.

Ad/> Federer, 40, hasn’t competed since July 2021 after he required knee surgery for the third time in 18 months, but said on Sunday he wants to play at Wimbledon „one more time“ as he returned to SW19 for Centre Court's centenary celebrations. WimbledonWimbledon Order of Play, Day 8 — When are Nadal, and Kyrgios playing?5 HOURS AGO And reacting to the comments made by Nadal, Eurosport expert Wilander has said he understands why he would deem Federer his greatest rival but added that Djokovic was probably a more difficult opponent.

“He was the first one to really challenge Roger and they had this amazing rivalry for a few years,» said Wilander. “Then of course Novak Djokovic came along, but Novak has probably been Nadal’s more difficult opponent “And, talking from personal experience, a rivalry is not necessarily against the player that you played the most often in the biggest matches.

It's one that you enjoy playing against “So I completely understand what he's saying; it must be insanely fun to play against Roger Federer if you feel like you have a chance to win.” Wimbledon Order of Play, Day 8 — When are Nadal, and Kyrgios playing? ‘I personally miss him’ — Nadal admits he feels absence of ‘greatest rival’ Federer 'I hope I can come back one more time' — Federer confirms intention to return to Wimbledon This year’s tournament is the first time the Swiss great has been absent since 1999, and the greatest rival comment came when Nadal was asked what it was like to play SW19 without Federer. “I think I answered that