"Watching Federer play has moved me more than Djokovic"

weakera

Talk Tennis Guru
Rafael Nadal says that he never ever meant to intimidate Novak Djokovic, and other players, by his warm-up routine, and that Federer is the player that has moved him the most, emotionally:

“It was never, never, never my intention [to intimidate]. I warm up like that, trying to be prepared and ready to go, and I work out, nothing more. I haven’t heard what he said, honestly.

[Continued] Since I have a memory of tennis, Federer is the player who has impressed me the most, the one who has entertained me the most, the one who has moved me the most.

Watching Federer play has moved me more than Djokovic, and in the end, tennis is about emotion; it’s the emotion that draws you to it”

️ El Pais (Translated)
 
No one likes snoozepong lol
Federer and Nadal are leagues more entertaining than Novak, it just is what it is.
We just have different tastes. I respect it. In my mind I can’t understand why people find Novak boring. Just my view though.

I love his matches and his passion on court. The fact he’s a winning machine on top makes it even better. Still for me I love slides Djokovic does, his movement and epic celebrations ars great to watch.
 

3loudboys

G.O.A.T.
35861
 

Shaj

Semi-Pro
In what ways hitting topspin like starting a factory motor and standing 20 meters behind baseline is entertaining, I would never know..Would even watch Serena Williams all day over Nadal..

Can understand game of federer he had grace and style..Even Novak on latter stages of a Tournament when he is all zoned in, wouldn't miss it even for anything..But not for Nadal..
 
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Krish0608

G.O.A.T.
There continues to be a lot of love and admiration between Rafa and Federer. There’s no love lost between Rafa and Novak. That much, is evident
 

Genie Of the Bank

Hall of Fame
Rafael Nadal says that he never ever meant to intimidate Novak Djokovic, and other players, by his warm-up routine, and that Federer is the player that has moved him the most, emotionally:

“It was never, never, never my intention [to intimidate]. I warm up like that, trying to be prepared and ready to go, and I work out, nothing more. I haven’t heard what he said, honestly.

[Continued] Since I have a memory of tennis, Federer is the player who has impressed me the most, the one who has entertained me the most, the one who has moved me the most.

Watching Federer play has moved me more than Djokovic, and in the end, tennis is about emotion; it’s the emotion that draws you to it”

️ El Pais (Translated)
Of course Rafa will say that, everyone like to sprint in the locker rooms lol. Novak really liked to move Nadal all over the court. ;)


 
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soldat

Rookie
Rafael Nadal says that he never ever meant to intimidate Novak Djokovic, and other players, by his warm-up routine, and that Federer is the player that has moved him the most, emotionally:

“It was never, never, never my intention [to intimidate]. I warm up like that, trying to be prepared and ready to go, and I work out, nothing more. I haven’t heard what he said, honestly.

[Continued] Since I have a memory of tennis, Federer is the player who has impressed me the most, the one who has entertained me the most, the one who has moved me the most.

Watching Federer play has moved me more than Djokovic, and in the end, tennis is about emotion; it’s the emotion that draws you to it”

️ El Pais (Translated)

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I find Djokovic’s on court demeanor, attacking style of play, defensive slides, far more appealing than Federer.

Djokovic’s backstory, his epic comebacks from two sets down, defeating both the player and the crowd, coming from behind to claim the GOAT title is also more inspirational than any player in history. In 30 more years, you’ll find that every young player will know Djokovic, and virtually none will know Federer or Nadal.

Also I don’t buy for a second that players never have any intention to intimidate, this applies to every player.
 

nolefam_2024

G.O.A.T.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I find Djokovic’s on court demeanor, attacking style of play, defensive slides, far more appealing than Federer.

Djokovic’s backstory, his epic comebacks from two sets down, defeating both the player and the crowd, coming from behind to claim the GOAT title is also more inspirational than any player in history. In 30 more years, you’ll find that every young player will know Djokovic, and virtually none will know Federer or Nadal.

Also I don’t buy for a second that players never have any intention to intimidate, this applies to every player.
I like to watch Djokovic more than Federer. I had tickets for Federer match but swapped them for Djokovic one. Best decision.
 

Genie Of the Bank

Hall of Fame
Don't care about RG. He needs to defeat Rafa in Olympics and knock him out. That's the only match I am waiting for now.
I'm not confident about Olympic, if he plays in doubles too. 2 majors are the main target, which one is the lottery question. Record of masters are almost certain to be add on to 42-43.
 

Genie Of the Bank

Hall of Fame
It's the only thing that can elevate him further, apart from Wimbledon titles now.
Wimbledon title would be great but Alcazar is already better grass player than Nadal at that age, so 50/50 chance this year. Still i wish for Nole - Carlos Wimbledon final.

Also this will be the year of settling the score for the previous 17 years. Who comes at the top is the Goat, may they all be healthy and going for it.
 

The Guru

Legend
What does matter then? Records?
Lol are you asking me to answer what is the meaning of life on a tennis forum? I don't have the hours or the wisdom to answer that but it's certainly not any of the things you mentioned. At least for me. And since it seems to me Roger's got a good head on his shoulders I doubt it's what matters to him. If you asked Roger what fulfilled him about his tennis career aside from the relationships he made in the process I bet his answer would be something along the lines of getting everything out of what he sees as his purpose. Enjoying the process of pushing himself to achieve the heights of the game he loves. The results are what they are but the process reveals the character of the man.
 

pirhaksar

Professional
I like to watch Djokovic more than Federer. I had tickets for Federer match but swapped them for Djokovic one. Best decision.
I like to watch Fed, in my mind there’s no better visual appeal than that. The supreme ease, elegance and grace just is mind blowing, no wonder he has the world eating out of his hands. Between Rafa and Novak I much prefer Novak, he is almost scholarly in how he plays. That said I root openly for Novak and hope he wins everything he enters from here on.
 

GabeT

G.O.A.T.
Federer is the king of the eye test. And if you think about it, he has what everyone dreams of: the acclaim, the money, the fame, the worldwide adulation at his every move.

You know, the things that matter in real life.
In any discussion of who is a top athlete in a given sport only one thing matters. Winning.

Miss Congeniality prizes are for those that can’t win the big one.
 

pirhaksar

Professional
I'm not confident about Olympic, if he plays in doubles too. 2 majors are the main target, which one is the lottery question. Record of masters are almost certain to be add on to 42-43.
Don’t care about OG really and Novak is really stupid you focus on it. He simply needs to create distance in slams those are the only things that history will remember. If you are not a track n field or swimmer or gymnast the Olympics is a nice little paegentry.
 

irishnadalfan1983

Hall of Fame
There continues to be a lot of love and admiration between Rafa and Federer. There’s no love lost between Rafa and Novak. That much, is evident

True…I do think the Nadal family just rate Federer a bit higher…They always spoke incredibly highly of him ever since they broke onto the scene in 2004/2005…Even when beating Fed, Rafa always spoke of him very highly…
 
True…I do think the Nadal family just rate Federer a bit higher…They always spoke incredibly highly of him ever since they broke onto the scene in 2004/2005…Even when beating Fed, Rafa always spoke of him very highly…
Probably because he had more success against Fed and also surpassed him. It’s obvious nadal will prefer Fed to Djokovic.

Nadal wanted to be in djokovic position now but he’s still had an incredible career regardless.
 

irishnadalfan1983

Hall of Fame
Probably because he had more success against Fed and also surpassed him. It’s obvious nadal will prefer Fed to Djokovic.

Nadal wanted to be in djokovic position now but he’s still had an incredible career regardless.

Ummmm…Can’t remember exact dates, but around 2006/2007/2008/2009 Rafa and his family (Toni) used to speak of Fed like he was God…I think some people just prefer Fed - simple as that….No harm in that…
 

Kralingen

Talk Tennis Guru
Lol are you asking me to answer what is the meaning of life on a tennis forum? I don't have the hours or the wisdom to answer that but it's certainly not any of the things you mentioned. At least for me.
:-D I misunderstood what you were saying, clearly. When I said “in real life” I mean outside of the tennis court, the non-measured accomplishments, cultural impact, etc. thought you were referring to the two players. I think that being such an icon and being synonymous with tennis to so many people in Federer’s case has real impact. It’s probably the best argument for Jordan as GOAT as well to me. Establishing yourself in the hearts of many.

Would love to hear your theory on life if you want to give it a crack.

Obviously all of the Big 3 (and many more pros) have loads to be proud of and have achieved far beyond their wildest dreams, and will likely be amazing parents and citizens post retirement as well.
 

nolefam_2024

G.O.A.T.
Ummmm…Can’t remember exact dates, but around 2006/2007/2008/2009 Rafa and his family (Toni) used to speak of Fed like he was God…I think some people just prefer Fed - simple as that….No harm in that…
At this point nothing good is ever coming from Nadal talking about Djokovic. He is coming off as a sore loser online.
But it s what it is.
 

pirhaksar

Professional
Probably because he had more success against Fed and also surpassed him. It’s obvious nadal will prefer Fed to Djokovic.

Nadal wanted to be in djokovic position now but he’s still had an incredible career regardless.
When you are entering the fray and there’s an established bonafide superstar who looks unbeatable and considered Goat/God which I believe was the case with Roger back in 04-07…upcoming youngster like Rafa will have that opinion. It’s not uncommon or strange really. Djokovic was truly the outsider and brash and in your face vs the other two personality wise too. So that relationship never took off.
 

nolefam_2024

G.O.A.T.
When you are entering the fray and there’s an established bonafide superstar who looks unbeatable and considered Goat/God which I believe was the case with Roger back in 04-07…upcoming youngster like Rafa will have that opinion. It’s not uncommon or strange really. Djokovic was truly the outsider and brash and in your face vs the other two personality wise too. So that relationship never took off.
Yeah and I think 70/80% of nolefams don't want them to be friends right now. There are some neutral fans in nolefams but they are also turning.
 

pirhaksar

Professional
Fed and Rafa can have that and popularity. Novak can have the tennis records. It all good! :)
I don’t think there’s that much of a gulf between Rafa and Novak popularity wise especially if you include Asia. Clearly Roger is in a tier by himself. Rafa is second no doubt but not quite sure if he is like a tier more popular than Djokovic. Ignore the epic clowns on here, if there’s some stats between 2 and 3 would be interesting to see if there is a big gulf there too.
 
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