Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal‘s rivalry flame shows no signs of dimming. Even if these titans haven’t faced off as often on the court recently, their rivalry is still just as fierce as ever. When Djokovic won his fifth Laureus World Sports Award and received applause, the reaction of the 22-time Grand Slam champion stirred interest and suspicion among fans.

In addition to his victories in 2013, 2015, 2016, and 2019, Djokovic earned his fifth Laureus World Sportsman of the Year title. In the meantime, the Rafael Nadal Foundation received the esteemed Laureus Sport for Good Award, which is why both tennis giants were present at the awards ceremony.

Rafael Nadal’s reaction to Novak Djokovic’s praise grabs attention

The world-number-one-ranked tennis player recently received the Laureus Award from Tom Brady, a popular American footballer himself. Before presenting the award, the 46-year-old athlete appreciated the Serbian tennis player and said, “Novak has let me know he’s not done yet.” While he was praising the Serb, Nadal was sitting in the audience with a blank expression, leaving tennis fans confused over his reaction.

Tom Brady during the Laureus Awards on Djokovic: “Novak has let me know he’s not done yet”, the camera pans to Rafa during and after the award
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Looking into that, a fan wrote an amusing reaction: “This made me spit my drink out, haha!” 

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Subsequently, another one looked at Brady more than capturing Nadal’s reaction, and wrote, “Brady went under the knife or at least got fillers.” 

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On the other hand, a fan mentioned how it would be perfect comic timing if the camera had panned to the Spanish just a bit earlier.

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Subsequently, another tennis fan felt bad for the 22-time Grand Slam champion and wrote, “Poor mf.” 

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Lastly, a fan mentioned how it was quite awkward for Nadal to see Djokovic win the title, and dominate the court at the same time.

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Moreover, Djokovic was quite happy to get nominated for the prestigious award. Along with that, do you know that he wrote his name in history alongside Roger Federer?

Djokovic adds another feather to his list of achievements

The 24-time Grand Slam champion talked a few months ago about his excitement for the award. He stated, “I am thrilled to be nominated once again for Laureus World Sportsman of the Year. I have won this Award four times, and each one has been very special and unforgettable in its own way.”

On the other hand, with his fifth sportsman title, he now has the most number of titles, the same as Roger Federer. Along with that, both of them have together garnered 10 titles, making tennis the most awarded sport at the Laureus Awards. Nadal has only two sportsman titles, standing long behind Djokovic and Federer.

Nevertheless, what are your thoughts on the Serb receiving the prestigious award? Do let us know in the comment section below.