Ahead of Wimbledon, Federer reflects on rivalry with Nadal, Djokovic
While they have competed with each other, the Swiss argues they have also helped each other.
LONDON—The recent rivalries at the top of the game have lifted the players along with the sport, says Roger Federer.
Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic are the three leaders for the most Grand Slam titles among male players, and the Top 3 in the rankings. While they have competed with each other, Federer argues they have also helped each other.
"It shows that side-by-side we can have incredible careers," he told press before Wimbledon. "Funny enough, you always think somebody takes away something from the other. Probably we have. At the same time, we also pushed each other to greater heights, to improve maybe Rafa's grass, Novak's whatever, hard courts, my clay. I think we definitely became better because of one another."
The 20-time Grand Slam champion added that it might also be part of their longevity.
"I don't know if we'd still be playing if maybe would have played in different eras," he said. "But it's been fun having us, from my side. I don't now, I hope the fans enjoyed, because I think we all have very different characters—they could like either player."
At Wimbledon, Federer will start against South African Lloyd Harris on Tuesday. Djokovic will face Philipp Kohlschreiber on Monday. Nadal drew Yuichi Sugita and a Tuesday start. Federer and Nadal are in the same half of the draw.
Djokovic agrees there have been positives for him individually and for them collectively.
"I obviously have not been so happy to be part of Federer, Nadal era at the beginning of my career," the world No. 1 said. "I wasn't winning much of the major events. It's a different story right now. It made me better player.
"I think the sport has benefited a lot because of these rivalries, all of us winning that much."
