“I think Djokovic and I have brought out the best in each other.”

Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic star, with the permission of Rafa Nadal, in one of the great rivalries in the world of tennis in the last 14 years. The Serbian and the Swiss star in the second greatest rivalry in the history of the Open Era with the 50 games they have played between the two (with a balance of 27 wins for Djokovic and 23 for Federer) and only surpassed by the 56 games that Djokovic and Nadal have played to date.

In the latest episode of the ATP Uncovered by Peugeot serial, the ATP wanted to review how the rivalry of two of the greatest tennis players of all time has been, which of their last 20 matches have been cited in 18 in the semifinals or finals of a Grand Slam, Master 1,000 or the Nitto ATP Finals.

Djokovic confessed that each match against Federer is very special for him because of the dimension it has. “I have played several incredible games with him over the years. Every time I go out on the court to measure him, it is very exciting because he surpasses the game. It goes beyond the sport.”

For his part, Federer applauded the Serbian's way of playing and how difficult it is to beat him. “Novak can play on all surfaces very well. He always has a certain level of play that is very high, so to beat him you have to be at your best. He knows how to move very well and I have great coordination, so we agreed on something. “

One of the last matches that Federer and Djokovic left us for history was the 2019 Wimbledon final, in which the Serbian managed to take the title after an epic match. “It is possibly one of my two best three games that I have played. Probably the best, most exciting and the most physically and mentally demanding game that I have played.” Djokovic recounted. For his part, and despite the defeat, Federer draws positive conclusions from that match. “You look back and appreciate the fight and the battle and the type of matches. You can't always be part of a game like this, so when it comes you have to appreciate it. “

Finally Federer stressed the importance of rivalries in any sport and, in his case, said that the fact of having coincided with Djokovic has allowed him to display his best tennis. “I think that rivalries are very important in sports today and I think they also make the sport more popular. You always need someone with whom you can have a good rivalry and with Djokovic, thank God I think I did. I think we've brought out the best in each other. “