Novak Djokovic: Rivalries with Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray have made me stronger

Novak Djokovic says he has become “stronger” in the face of “difficult circumstances” thanks to his rivalries with Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray. The quartet have been the dominant players on the ATP Tour for most of the last 20 years. Ad They have faced off in a number of Grand Slam finals and high-profile matches, and between them held the world No.

1 spot from 2004 until 2022. ATP RomeDjokovic: I've gotten stronger because of Federer, Nadal and MurrayAN HOUR AGO Speaking after battling through to the last 16 of the Italian Open with victory over Grigor Dimitrov, Djokovic reflected on how his long-time rivalries have helped him play his best tennis when under pressure. “Luckily for me in my career I managed to win more matches than those that I lost when I was facing difficult circumstances,” he said.

“I also lost a lot of matches, particularly in the beginning of my career. For a few years, whenever I needed to make that final step or win a Slam, I didn’t manage to do that, so I learned a lot. “I got stronger because of the rivalries, particularly with Federer, Nadal and Murray.

Just staying the course, staying patient and believing in the process and the journey...understanding what works for you best, what's your winning formula mentally and also physically and emotionally, and then sticking to it.” Djokovic was a set and a break up on Dimitrov, but couldn’t close out the win in straight sets. He was still, though, pleased with his display as he booked a last-16 meeting with British No. 1 Cameron Norrie.