Novak Djokovic admits he was ‘sad’ to see Rafael Nadal withdraw from Indian Wells
Novak Djokovic has spoken about Rafael Nadal pulling out of Indian Wells, reflecting on ‘the big three’ era coming to an end.
Djokovic, who is making his first appearance at Indian Wells since 2019, is set to play his first match since the Australian Open later today.
Great company on the way to USA ???????? ???????????? @RafaelNadal #idemooo #vamos @atptour #TennisParadise pic.twitter.com/UDB13mp4Ux
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) February 23, 2024
The world No.1 travelled to California in the same plane as his great rival Nadal and has now reflected on the Spaniard’s withdrawal from the event, “It’s sad for the tournament that Rafa had to withdraw and also for him. I actually travelled with him to America, that was not planned. It was nice to see him and his family.
“I know he came in early because he really wanted to adjust to the time zone, get as much practice as possible, get himself ready to play, that’s why he came in early. He gave his best but it wasn’t to be.”
Nadal announced his withdrawal on Wednesday, after admitting that he ‘can’t lie’ to himself or the fans about his current fitness status.
I have been working hard and practicing and you all know I took a test this weekend but I don’t find myself ready to play at the highest level at such an important event.
It is not an easy decision, it’s a tough one as a matter of fact but I can’t lie to myself and lie to the… pic.twitter.com/JslDFANMW8— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) March 7, 2024
With Roger Federer retired and Nadal openly admitting that this is likely to be his final year on the ATP Tour, Djokovic has spoken about the end of an era.
“Those moments will come for all of us,” said Djokovic. “You know, when they actually come and you actually understand that that’s it, Roger finished his career, Rafa and I are probably not going to play much more.”
The Serbian continued, “It’s a kind of one era to an end and it’s sad but at the same time, I think there’s so many wonderful moments, matches, and milestones that we can celebrate when it comes to each one of us and us as a group.”
Djokovic will return to the matchcourt later today, when he takes on Aleksandar Vukic in the second round of Indian Wells.
Inside the baseline…
It is always sad when a golden era of any industry comes to an end, and it is fair to say that Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer have created the golden era of men’s tennis. At times like this you have to appreciate it while it is still here, with it seeming that Nadal does not have much longer left in the sport. However, Djokovic still appears to be going strong and is even contemplating playing at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics!
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