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Novak Djokovic at ATP Cup

‘Novak Djokovic is a more mentally complete player than Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal,’ says former ATP ace


Novak Djokovic is the more ‘mentally complete’ than both Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, accoridng to former ATP ace Michael Berrer.

The drastic contrasts in personalities is one of the most absorbing facets of the rivalry among the ‘big three,’ with each of them excelling over the other in some way.

However, in terms of mentality, it is world number one Djokovic who shines the most according to Berrer, a former world number 42.

ā€œRafael Nadal is more tense, while Roger Federer is relaxed and makes fun,” Berrer told Tennis Magazine.

“Novak Djokovic is very serious and the most mentally complete player now,ā€


ā€˜I need to be like Novak Djokovic, even if he lacks the brilliance of Roger Federer,ā€™ says British sporting legend


Despite the praise of Djokovic, Berrer thinks it is Federer who’s determination as a youngster should provide the example for teenager players today.

“I expect a 16-year-old, 17-year-old player to be having a really big vision like Roger Federer who used to be as a 15-year-old,” he added.

“It was clear to him (Federer) that he wanted to be the top 10 and then the world number oneā€.


Michael Graham, Tennishead.net Editor, has been a professional sports journalist for his whole career and is especially passionate about tennis. He's been the Editor of Tennishead.net for over 5 years and loves watching live tennis by visiting as many tournaments as possible. Michael specialises in writing in-depth features about the ATP & WTA tours.