I’ve played Djokovic more than anyone else, but for me, my biggest rival was Federer – Rafael Nadal

Veteran Rafael Nadal has claimed that Roger Federer was his biggest rival and not Novak Djokovic. Nadal shared an epic rivalry with both Federer and Djokovic but picked the former as his biggest rival. 

The Spaniard had a 24-16 W-L record against the Swiss Maestro whereas had a 29-31 H2H record against the Serbian.

When Nadal entered the tour, Federer was already at the top of the tennis world whereas Djokovic announced himself after 2006. 

When speaking to Spanish media outlet AS, Nadal spoke about his rivalries with both Djokovic and Federer, “I’ve played Djokovic more than anyone else, but for me, my biggest rival was Federer.”

The Spaniard continued, “When I came onto the circuit, Federer was already there, and he was the first. In the prime years of my career, it was Roger and Novak. But in those early years, which are so impactful, it was always Roger.

“I think, and I don’t know why, that my rivalries with both of them were more intense than the one they had with each other. I’m not sure why, but I feel like the world sees it that way too. Maybe with Roger, it was because our styles and approaches to the sport were so contrasting.”

Meanwhile, Nadal admitted it was always challenging to play against Djokovic as he always lifted his level and came back as a better player.

“With Novak, it was an incredible challenge. He’s a player who has managed to maintain a very high level and improve every year,” explained Nadal. “The numbers show he’s the best, which means his tennis has also been the best.

“And he’s been the most injury-free, which allowed him to maintain his physical, mental, and tennis levels longer than anyone. That’s why he’s the best, and he’s earned it.“

Nadal will retire after playing in the Davis Cup for Spain.