Djokovic: “I said to Roger that he needs to come back so that we can play one more time”

Novak Djokovic revealed what he said to Roger Federer on Sunday

Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer, Wimbledon 2022 | © AI / Reuters / Panoramic

July 5, 2022

Novak Djokovic was shown having a chat with Roger Federer during the Centenary of the Center Court at Wimbledon, on Sunday. Asked by the Serbian press, the triple trophy holder at Wimbledon revealed what he said to the Swiss. Sasa Ozmo, our friend and writer, reported these words in a tweet.

“I’ve told him he’s loved by many people and that he’s been greeted very nicely, and that he needs to come back so we can play at least one more time – like he said it himself,” said Djokovic, in reference to Federer’s declaration of “one more time” at the microphone.

“Federer is a legend in every way”- Djokovic

“We’ve all seen how special it was when he entered Centre Court. Everyone was on their feet, everyone showed their love and respect towards him – and he really is a legend in every way.”

Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer during the Centre Court centenary celebrations (AI/Reuters/Panoramic)

He added: “Of course, he’s been one of my biggest rivals in my career and it’s been weird not seeing him participating in tournaments.” The Serb beat Federer three times in a Wimbledon final, in 2014, 2015 and 2019. Everyone could understand the Swiss referred to these three matches when he said to the public that the Centre Court was the place of his greatest wins and defeats – plus of course the legendary 2008 final against Rafael Nadal.

No Djokovic – Federer since January 2020

“Roger’s been struggling with injuries for the past few years and played only a couple of tournaments – and like he said, it was weird seeing him here at Wimbledon in a different role,” concluded Djokovic. “I think it’s very important for the sport that players like him play as much as they can, because it brings a lot of attention and benefits all of us.”

Djokovic et Federer, Open d'Australie 2020 — Djokovic and Federer at the Australian Open in 2020 (© Panoramic)

Federer and Djokovic met twice after the 2019 Wimbledon final: pnce at the ATP Finals the same year, an easy win for Federer (6-4, 6-3), then in the 2020 Australian Open semi-final. Djokovic won this match (7-6, 6-4, 6-3), when the world discovered Federer had a serious problem with his left knee. Both of them have won 20 Grand Slam tournaments and are chasing Rafael Nadal, who has 22.

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