Novak Djokovic believes the rivalry and dominance among the Big Three is still substantial amid a surge among their younger rivals on the Tour.
The 18-time Grand Slam champion is through to the Italian Open final after ousting both Stefanos Tsitsipas and Lorenzo Sonego in three sets on the same day. The victory sets Djokovic up with a showdown against rival Rafael Nadal. It is the first time members of the Big Three have reached the final of a Masters 1000 event this season. To put that into perspective the last time none of the trio featured in four consecutive Masters finals was back in 2003.
Despite the growing threat from the Next Generation on the Tour, Djokovic believes he, Nadal and Roger Federer still have what it takes to fend them off. Federer has only played one tournament so far in 2021 but will return to action next week in Geneva.
“Rafa and I had a little laugh in the locker room after I won against Tsitsipas. We kind of joked around that the old guys are still not giving up,” Djokovic said following his semi-final win in Rome.
“I saw he said somewhere a few days ago that Roger, him and I are old, but I disagree with him. I think we’re showing some different, fresh energy. We had a laugh about it.”
Djokovic’s upcoming showdown with Nadal will be the 56th instalment of their 15-year rivalry on the ATP Tour. He currently leads their head-to-head 29-27 and will be seeking revenge against Nadal after losing to him in their previous match at the French Open last year. On the clay Djokovic has lost to Nadal in 18 out of their 25 meetings prior to Rome.
“It’s great to play him again in the final,” said Djokovic. “He’s the guy that I have encountered the most in my career. Definitely my biggest rival of all time.’
“Playing him on clay in the finals of one of the biggest tournaments in the world is always extra motivating for me. Even after all we have been through in our careers there’s still this excitement when we have to face each other.’
“At least from my side I know that that’s going to be the case as long as we play against each other on this level.’
“I’m really glad that we are showing we’re not backing off from the NextGen attacks.”
The Rome final is the biggest test for both players yet on the clay so far this season going into the French Open which will start at the end of this month. However, Nadal argues that too much shouldn’t be read into it. The Spaniard is seeking to win the Roland Garros for a record 14th time.
“What happens here (in Rome) is not going to make a big impact about what can happen in a couple of weeks. You play a final here, you want to win. It is one of the most important events in our sport,” he said.
Following their runs this week, 33-year-old Djokovic and 34-year-old Nadal have become the oldest Rome finalists in the Open Era.
