Tennis fans have expressed their conflicting view regarding Novak Djokovic’s latest statements about rivalries in the sport, more specifically about his rivalry with Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.

On Monday, May 15, Novak Djokovic, who is currently contesting the 2023 Italian Open, commented on his off-court relationship with Nadal and Federer, whom he ‘respects’ and ‘admires.’

Speaking about Roger Federer, the World No. 1 revealed that, although he maintains a cordial relationship with the 20-time Grand Slam champion, the duo have never been friends, given their on-court rivalry.

“We have never been friends, between rivals it is not possible, but we have never been enemies. I’ve always had respect for Roger,” he said in a recent interview.

The Serb made a similar disclosure about his equation with Rafael Nadal, stating that, while he has made an effort in the past, friendship with the fellow 22-time Slam champion, who is his arch-rival, is ‘impossible.’

“At first we went to dinner together, but even with him friendship is impossible. I have always respected and admired him,” he said.The 35-year-old’s statements weren’t well-received by tennis fans, who argued that friendship between tennis rivals isn’t ‘impossible.’ Many fans cited the close bond between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer itself as an example to contradict Novak Djokovic’s declaration. Some fans were of the opinion that the Serb himself is to blame for his impersonal relations with the remaining members of the “Big-3.”

Works both ways. If Rafa and Roger can be great friends, then I don’t see why Novak can’t be friends with them. Some reflection of how he and his father especially has behaved over the years,” one fan said.

Another fan mentioned the lasting off-court friendship between tennis’ biggest rivals Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova and opined that the Spanish and Swiss duo display the same camaraderie.

“Well, tennis is their jobs but they have personal lives. Evert and Navratilova were once fierce rival only because of the media and their entourage but I guess they genuinely like each other. I think that’s the dynamics between Federer and Nadal. Both see Djokovic though as rival,” the fan said.

Here are a few more reactions from fans:

Roger and Rafa don’t appear to think it’s impossible.

@TheTennisLetter Federer and Nadal have no problem being close friends.Maybe Djoke is just a jerk.

@gigicat7_ @Corriere Novak is a nice and generous person but is immensely lacking in self-reflection (for all the ‘spiritual’ work he does). He says “It is impossible”, rather than “I cannot be”. It’s not a law of physics. It’s a choice. Ask the aussies. They fight all day and are friends after.

@CapCorgiTTV @TheTennisLetter This is true! There maybe something wrong with Djokovic personality. Even players have no problem woth the two.

@TheTennisLetter Maybe they’re all thinking friendship with you is impossible!

Oh FFS. Rafa knows who is genuine and who is not. You will never be his friend.