Novak Djokovic has taken a moment to recognize and celebrate his legendary rival Rafael Nadal, who recently received a rare and esteemed Laureus award. The Serbian tennis star praised Nadal not only for his incredible achievements on the court but also for the resilience and values he has consistently shown throughout his career.
“Everyone knows what he’s accomplished in tennis—the fighting spirit, the perseverance, the tenacity,” Djokovic said in a heartfelt tribute shared on Instagram. “But what stands out even more are the values he upholds and the strength he’s shown through years of injury battles. This award isn’t just for his titles, but for the way he’s inspired millions—both in and outside of sport.”
Djokovic ended the post with a simple yet powerful message: “Felicidades @rafaelnadal 🙌🏼🙌🏼.”
Djokovic Still Motivated by Grand Slam Glory
In a separate interview, Djokovic reflected on what drives him to continue competing at the highest level at this stage of his career.
“If I’m not motivated, I’m not here,” he stated. “The passion to compete is what keeps me going. The Grand Slams, especially, still fuel my desire. That’s where I want to perform my best.”
Despite facing ups and downs in his 2025 season, Djokovic remains optimistic as he prepares for the Madrid Open, a tournament where he hopes to reignite his form and chase further success
