‘Didn’t Like Having to Play..’- Novak Djokovic’s Former Coach Recalls the Negative Effect of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal’s Tennis Dominance on the Serbian

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal enjoyed recognition and appreciation for their game by critics and fans alike. Though they began around the same time, both became fan favorites and perhaps the only duo whose rivalry will go down in history. ‘Fedal’ had already made their mark, and the tennis community anticipated more of them. So when Novak Djokovic debuted, it took time for people to come out of the bubble they created.

Djokovic, too, felt it as Rafa and Federer were under constant limelight. The Serb was still an upcoming star, which did not sit well with him. Djoker’s former coach reveals how young Djoker felt playing at the time when his arch-rivals dominated.

Novak Djokovic didn’t like playing in a generation that had Rafa and Federer

Todd Martin coached the Serb for a brief period, less than a year. The Serb worked with two coaches initially, and both had contrasting coaching styles. So he let go of Martin and chose to work with Marian Vajda, who coached the 23 Grand Slams champion till 2022. As Todd witnessed Djokovic earlier, he talked about his observations on the Serb’s behavior.

The former ATP 3rd seed conversed with Jill Craybas for the ‘ATP Tennis Radio Exclusives podcast titled, ‘Todd Martin On His New Role And Memories Of Coaching Novak Djokovic.’ Martin was asked about his coaching days with Djokovic. He said, “He was 22 when I started working with him. No one here is as mature as he is now. He had every bit of talent to do what he is doing.”

Martin said about coaching Djoker, “Going back to when I was coaching him, he was not focused. He was third in the world and didn’t like having to play in the same generation as Roger and Rafa.“

“And he eventually, you know, sort of swept that off of his shoulder and focused and, and he’s proven to himself in the world, just how special of an athlete he is.” The 36-year-old’s relationship with his rivals has changed and taken a different direction.

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Djoker’s relationship with his arch-rivals and how it changed over time

It is not unusual for a young adult to feel uncomfortable with his rivals. Djokovic, too, thought it, but it only changed him for the greater good. In an interview for an Italian daily, ‘Corriere della Sera,’ in May,’ Djokovic admitted that the Spaniard and Swiss legend made him who he is now and watching Fedal play helped him grow in tennis.

The ATP 2nd seed stated that he has immense respect for the Swiss Maestro and regards him as the G.OA.T. Though they are acquaintances, the Serb revealed that he has never been so close to Federer. Djokovic recalled his dinner night with Rafa at the beginning of his career and stated that they have a ‘Gemini’ connection.

The Serb even joked that he had seen more of Nadal in 15 years than his mother and declared him a part of his life. However, Djokovic said that friendship is a luxury between rivals, and the trio was neither close nor distant. They maintain cordial relationships and hold each other in high regard.

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