Roger Federer’s Three-Word Response to Novak Djokovic Surpassing Him
Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic have long been two of the biggest names in tennis, battling on the sport’s grandest stages. Federer once held the record for the most Grand Slam titles and the longest time at World No. 1, but Djokovic has since eclipsed both milestones.
Djokovic’s Dominance in the Record Books
Federer was the first male player to win 20 Grand Slam titles, a feat that once seemed untouchable. However, Djokovic, who emerged later than Federer and Rafael Nadal, rewrote history by winning 24 Grand Slam titles and holding the No. 1 ranking for 428 weeks—an all-time record.
When asked about his rival’s success, Federer had a simple yet gracious response: “It’s all good.”
Federer’s View on Djokovic’s Success
Federer, who won his last Grand Slam at the 2018 Australian Open, retired from professional tennis in 2022 at the Laver Cup. Since stepping away from the sport, the Swiss legend has embraced his new role as a supporter of the game rather than a competitor.
“I mean, obviously, you’re aware when they’re in the finals or when Novak breaks another record,” Federer told GQ. “It’s all good, you know?”
Despite being surpassed, Federer remains appreciative of Djokovic’s achievements. “I’ve followed it, and I love to see that Novak’s been going from strength to strength. It keeps on going.”
A Different Perspective in Retirement
Federer noted that retirement has given him a fresh perspective, allowing him to enjoy the sport without the competitive pressure. “You end up being very content in your position and supportive of the game as a whole.”
His relationship with Djokovic also appears to have warmed since retiring. The two shared a friendly exchange at the 2024 Shanghai Masters, where Federer was present for sponsorship duties. Federer even attended Djokovic’s final against Jannik Sinner.
Djokovic’s Recent Struggles
Although Djokovic has solidified his status as the greatest player of the Open Era, he has faced challenges in recent months. His last title came at the Olympics, and he is currently on a three-match losing streak, including a defeat to Botic van de Zandschulp.
Despite the ups and downs, Federer remains an admirer of the sport’s evolution, seeing it as an opportunity to further elevate tennis on the global stage. “We’re competing not just within tennis, but in the broader sports world, putting tennis on a bigger scale.”
