Chris Evert assures Novak Djokovic he will be friends with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal after retirement

Novak Djokovic recently said he hadn't developed close friendships with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal since they were all active on the tour at the same time. Former tennis player Chris Evert, however, believes the trio will be friends in the future, after their retirement.

It is obvious to tennis fans that Federer and Nadal share a special friendship despite their fierce rivalry. However, Djokovic has maintained a certain distance from his biggest competitors on the tour.

In a recent interview with Marca, the Serb said there was a fine line between friendship and rivalry. He believes that when it comes to rivals, it is not necessary to discuss "everything" like with friends.

"It's true that we can't be friends because with friends you talk about everything, the good, the bad, your secrets. With your rivals I don't think you feel very comfortable revealing all that," he said.

Djokovic added that he has nothing but respect for Nadal and Federer, and expressed hope that his relationship with the duo would have a different complexion after all three had hung up their racquets.

"I have incredible respect for them and for the rivalry we've had for so long," he added. "It's been a long journey together and when we hang up our racquets we'll look at it in a more relaxed way.”

Evert then gave her view on the matter, assuring the 24-time Grand Slam champion that he would eventually get along with Nadal and Federer.

"You will!!," Evert's wrote on X (formerly Twitter)

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"Novak Djokovic had luck to have Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer; they pushed each other" - Coach Goran Ivanisevic

The Serb (R) alongside Federer (L) and Nadal at the 2022 Laver Cup

Novak Djokovic's coach Goran Ivanisevic has acknowledged that the Serb was lucky to have exceptional rivals in Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.

In a recent press conference, Ivanisevic said the trio pushed each other to greater heights, which eventually helped Djokovic progress as a player. The Croat also lavished praise on the Serb, saying that he has always been keen on proving his critics wrong.

"He had the luck to have a guy like Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer, they came before him, so they pushed each other. But he's a born winner. For him, when you tell him he cannot do something, it's even worse. Then he's going to show you that he can do it. It's no excuses," Ivanisevic said.

Djokovic, Federer, and Nadal are arguably the three greatest players in the sport's history. The trio have collectively won 66 Grand Slam titles.

They have dominated the tour for almost 20 years. With the exception of 2016 and 2022, one of the three has finished as the year-end No. 1 every season from 2004 to 2023.