‘A big part of me left with them’ - Novak Djokovic emotionally reflects on Federer, Nadal and Murray's retirement

The No. 4 ranked seed and Tennis legend Novak Djokovic who was part of the ‘Big Four’ in Tennis has now admitted that a big part of himself has already left tennis along with them. Only Djokovic is left in the ‘Big Four’ as Roger Federer, and Andy Murray have already announced their retirement from the game, and Rafael Nadal announced he will be retiring next month.

In the early 2000s and 2010s, Tennis was dominated by the Big Four which included Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray who won every ATP and grand slam among others. Two years ago Roger Federer retired from Tennis in the Laver Cup, and Andy Murray ended his career at the Paris Olympics in 2024. Only Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic were left in the Big Four.

Newcomers like Carlos Alcaras, Jannik Sinner, Medvedev, and Taylor Fritz emerged and started dominating tennis. Nadal has now announced that he will play his last tennis game at the Davis Cup finals which will be held this November.

Novak Djokovic's emotional response

Now, only Djokovic is the last leaf left in tennis among the Big Four. He recently played against Jakub Mensik and won the match by 6-7 (4), 6-1, 6-4 and entered the semi-finals of the Shanghai Masters. When asked about Nadal’s retirement Djokovic answered, “Well, I posted - you saw it - on Instagram. I meant every word. He’s been my greatest rival, the rivalry I had with him has impacted me the most in my career by far. 

We knew that the moment was coming sooner than later, but it was still a shock when it came officially. As for Roger a few years ago, when he announced his retirement, and Andy as well this year.” Djokovic said with Roger, Andy, and Nadal leaving tennis a large part of himself also left with them. Novak Djokovic is the only player from the early 2000s era who is still competing strong in tennis which proves why he is the greatest of all time. 

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