The statements of Rafa Nadal in the British newspaper Metro, where he said that Djokovic “is obsessed with the tennis player with the most Grand Slam, and I'm not saying it in a negative way “they had a quick response from the Serbian in the press conference prior to the Serbia Open that takes place this week in Belgrade.
Djokovic commented that he respects Nadal's opinion, although he also assured that he is not obsessed with anything. “I can't speak on his behalf, I don't know how he thinks but he has the right to give his opinion on how he sees me in terms of records. Personally, I don't feel like I'm obsessed with anything in my life. What I feel is passion and great desire. I go towards the objectives that I want to achieve and I have never had a problem manifesting it. “
The Belgrade tennis player confessed that he has always stated that his goal has been to achieve the records that are in tennis. “Maybe someone can't say something and then go for it, but it's never been difficult for me to say 'I want to break this record or reach such a goal.' I don't know why that must be bad., not only in terms of records, but also in tennis politics. Since I was a young tennis player, I have not been afraid to shout my goals: I want to be number 1 and win Grand Slam. Of course, these goals are increasing, and when you achieve one, another appears. It's my path and it's unique, like Rafa's. “
Djokovic also took the opportunity to express his admiration for Nadal, even saying that he has been the toughest rival of his career. “Everything is a problem of perception and interpretation of what he has said. I respect Rafa a lot, probably more than any other tennis player in the world. He has been the toughest opponent I have ever had in my life. Everything he has achieved, his dedication to tennis and the way he trains and plays are worthy of admiration. You know what motivates you, I can't get into that. “
The Serbian also wanted to scare away the ghosts of a hypothetical withdrawal. “I have said many times that love for the sport is the main reason why I became a professional tennis player. That means that if I don't love competition, there are no reasons to compete, I don't have any pressure. I will continue playing because I still feel that fire and the desire to win and because I have the support of my own. I'll continue as long as this continues. “