Novak Djokovic lifts lid on Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer 'influence' after Wimbledon win

Novak Djokovic has opened up on the "influence" that his long-time rivals Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer have had on his career after starting his Wimbledon campaign with a win. The top seed has not won a Grand Slam title since lifting the trophy at SW19 a year ago and is hoping to defend his crown to catch Nadal in the race for the most Major titles.

Djokovic survived a wobble to down Soon-woo Kwon 6-3 3-6 6-3 6-4 in his opening round at Wimbledon as he opened play on Centre Court as part of the tradition for the reigning champion. The world No 3 is bidding to win a seventh title at the All England Club and 21st Grand Slam overall to catch Nadal, who holds a record 22.

The Spaniard is playing at Wimbledon for the first time in three years while Federer is unable to play this year as he continues to recover from a knee surgery, and the reigning champion was asked about his memories of battling with the 40-year-old in his absence from the tournament. "As with Rafa, nothing but respect for these guys," he admitted.

"Of course, both of them have influenced my development as a tennis player a lot, probably more than any other players." The 35-year-old also said it was Federer who he faced in his greatest matches at the All England Club, and explained what was different about playing his two biggest rivals.

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Djokovic continued: "The most iconic matches I have played in Wimbledon were against Roger, no doubt. The one that stands out is the finals in 2019, then another two finals in '14 and '15. Luckily for me all of those matches I won. All of those matches I think went five sets, except I think in the '15.

"It's pretty much similar like with Nadal. Every time