"At some point Novak Djokovic has a small mental breakdown": Rafael Nadal speculates about how his & Roger Federer's retirements will impact Serb

Rafael Nadal has speculated about the impact that his and Roger Federer's retirements would have on Novak Djokovic's mindset. The Spaniard also shared his thoughts on Djokovic's future in the sport, asserting that age would ultimately take its toll on the Serb as well.

Nadal is set to hang up his racket at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals, joining Federer and Andy Murray in retirement. Djokovic has admitted that a "big part" of him is leaving with his longtime rivals, disclosing how overwhelming it felt to be the last man standing.

In a recent interview with AS, Rafael Nadal suggested that his and Roger Federer's departures might cause Novak Djokovic to experience a "small mental breakdown," potentially prompting him to consider stepping away from the sport.

The Spaniard also pointed out that while the 37-year-old was fit and healthy, he wouldn't be able to escape the ill effects of aging indefinitely.

"As for Djokovic, I don't know. I think it's human that Novak, even if he's still healthy, is of a certain age and it's logical that the clock takes its toll on all of us and that, once Federer has gone, once I'm gone, since we've been his two great rivals, at some point he also has a small mental breakdown and will find a reason to step aside," he said (Translated from Spanish).

Nadal emphasized that the Serb would likely continue competing as long as he found joy in it, given that he still could compete at the highest level and win titles. However, the former World No. 1 expressed his belief that once Djokovic felt that the effort to prolong his career was no longer worthwhile, he would retire.

"That's what happens to everyone. And Novak is good enough to, if he's healthy, continue to be competitive at the highest level and aspire to win the most important tournaments," he said.

"And if he's still happy doing what he does, he'll keep doing it. If at some point, everything he has to do to have a chance of continuing to be at the highest level is no longer worth it, then he'll step aside, that's what I think," he added.

"It is not an excuse, thanks to that Novak Djokovic is the best and he has really earned it" - Rafael Nadal on the Serb being less injury-prone than him

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal (Source: Getty)

During the same interview, Rafael Nadal recognized Novak Djokovic as the greatest player in history based on his impressive numbers and level of play. However, he pointed out that the 37-year-old had largely avoided serious injuries during his career.

The Spaniard emphasized that the absence of long-term injuries inspired a lack of fear on a mental level, illustrating his point by highlighting how Djokovic could slide around on hard courts without worry, which was in contrast to his own limitations.

"The numbers say that he is the best, so his tennis level has also been the best and, in addition, he is the one who has managed to stay the furthest away from injuries," Nadal said.

"When you have no limitations or major injuries that last for a long time, it not only affects you physically and gives you options to win, but it also generates a lack of fear on a mental level, neither of getting injured, nor of slipping when you reach a ball on a hard court," he added.

While the 22-time Grand Slam champion acknowledged that this advantage had contributed to Djokovic's ability to sustain his physical and mental level for a longer period, he was quick to clarify that it wasn't his intention to make excuses. Nadal acknowledged that the Serb had rightfully earned the title of being the best.

"That has allowed Novak to maintain his physical, tennis and mental level for longer. It is not an excuse, thanks to that he is the best and he has really earned it," he said.

Rafael Nadal also opened up about facing Novak Djokovic 60 times in his career, explaining that despite his intense competition with the Serb, he still considered Roger Federer his greatest rival.