Swiss tennis great Roger Federer believes his rivalry with Novak Djokovic has helped him to become a better player over the years.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion has described the world No.1 as ‘one of the greatest’ in the history of the sport during a question and answer session organised by Qatar Tennis on Saturday. Federer has played Djokovic 50 times on the ATP Tour with five of those being in a major final. Including the 2019 Wimbledon Final which Djokovic won after saving two match points. He currently trails their head-to-head 23-27 and lost their most recent clash in the semi-finals of the Australian Open last year.
“I enjoy playing against him. I really feel like we get the best out of each other,” Federer said of Djokovic.
“We have different playing styles, (so) it almost depends on the day, which court we’re playing on and how the matches have been leading up to that match.’
“Against the best players you know you have to bring your best game. Otherwise, it will not be enough. Especially against somebody like Novak who can go into a mode where he is not going to miss (a ball).”
The 39-year-old says one aspect of what makes the Serbian such a formidable force in tennis is the variety of his game and approach to matches. Djokovic clinched his 18th major title last month in Melbourne as he closes in on the Swiss Maestro’s all-time record. Rafael Nadal, who is the other member of the Big Three, also has 20 major titles to his name.
“He can defend very well and be aggressive, he has a very good balance. That’s why he is one of the greatest players ever,” Federer explained.
“It has been a pleasure to play against him and he’s one of the players who have made me a better player. It’s great to have him in the game.”
Since their first Tour clash at the 2006 Monte Carlo Masters that have played each other almost every year with the exception being in 2017.
The comeback
It has been a year since Federer last graced his presence on the ATP Tour due to a right knee injury which required two surgeries in 2020. He will kick-off his comeback at the upcoming Qatar Open which he won a record three times before but the last triumph was back in 2011. The tournament is being run by Karim Alami who coincidentally lost to Federer in the quarter-finals of the 2000 Olympic Games.
“I am very excited to be back. The first time I played was in 2003 and it was a great tournament for me. I got a taste of this region that I didn’t know very well to be honest,’ the world No.5 said.
“I’ve seen the city grow tremendously over the last 15-18 years. It’s a wonderful tournament. I feel like the fans have always been wonderful in Doha as well.”
Besides the challenge of returning back to form, Federer also has to get used to playing during an era dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Various events have been forced to take place without fans or make last-minute adjustments due to the virus.
Qatar is no exception to those events and have tightened up their rules regarding health and safety. Visitors to the WTA Qatar Open, which takes place a week prior to the men’s, are required to use a contact tracing app, undergo temperature checks and wear masks at all times. The number of spectators has been capped at 20% of its normal capacity.
“I’m curious as to how it is going to be because I haven’t played for over a year during these COVID times. But I hope there will still be some sort of atmosphere,” said Federer.
For Federer he believes the key to coping with the new measures is adaptability. Something he says he and his peers have learned over the years.
“I’m preparing myself to be in a bubble in Qatar for the first time in my life and being away from my family. I’m just trying to focus on the mindset and what I can expect. I’m feeling that if I tell myself what to expect then it is easier also getting ready for it,” he continues.
“I think preparing for it and being flexible and I think that we learn quite often as tennis players. You want to be flexible to the weather, to missing a flight, not being able to train or not sleeping well because you have a stomach ache.”
Federer will be the second seed in Doha b behind Dominic Thiem. He will play his first match against either Jeremy Chardy or Dan Evans.
