Novak Djokovic gets real about feeling Rafael Nadal's intimidating aura that 'eats you alive'

Novak Djokovic recently got candid on various topics, including his rivalries with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. In a feature published by GQ Sports magazine on Thursday, January 9, the Serb acknowledged that Nadal was the most intimidating player he faced.

Recalling Rafael Nadal’s pre-match routines, Djokovic talked about the thumping music that blasted around the former's headphones and his sprints in the locker room hallways.

While mentioning that the Swiss also had a 'huge aura', the 24-time Grand Slam winner felt that Rafael Nadal's presence was 'intimidating'.

"The most intimidating? That’s him (Rafael Nadal). It was him, for sure. Roger also had this huge aura, of course. And before you were playing him, you felt it. But he did it more gracefully, I guess, you know? But, I mean Nadal, because we all share locker rooms, you see the players warming up and so forth,” Djokovic said.

“If you are not confident in yourself, you don’t have the self-belief, if you don’t have a clear game plan on what you want to do from the beginning, he’s going to eat you alive,” he added.

Novak Djokovic also recalled his first meeting with Nadal at Roland Garros in 2006. The Spaniard, just 20 years old at the time, was already the defending champion and an unstoppable force on clay. And the Serb, still a teenager, faced an emerging superstar who had become competitive tennis’ very soul.

Through these memories, the 37-year-old highlighted Nadal’s knack for blending physicality, mental fortitude, and a little flourish to gain a competitive advantage.

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Novak Djokovic on 'completing' tennis: "It is still my biggest megaphone to the world"

Novak Djokovic kissing the gold medal at 2024 Olympics - Source: Getty

Novak Djokovic's rise from war-torn Serbia to being the most decorated player in tennis history is a story of resilience and ambition. During the aforementioned interview with GQ, he reflected on his Grand Slam wins and attributed his success to adaptability and unyielding drive. When asked if had he beaten the game of tennis, Djokovic said:

"Yes and no, tennis is still my biggest megaphone to the world. Yes, I mean if you solely look at it from the perspective of completing achievements and the game itself? Then, yeah, I mean I guess…"

The Serb's rivalries with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal defined not only his game but an entire generation of tennis excellence.

"The rivalry that we had between the three of us, the rivalries are eternal, I think. It’s just something that leaves an incredible mark and legacy on this sport."

Between the 'Big Three', they share 66 Grand Slams (24- Djokovic, 22- Nadal, 20- Federer), an achievement that has redefined tennis for generations to come. With both Nadal and Federer having retired from tennis, Djokovic has now taken a significant lead.

The Serb will now be aiming for his 25th Grand Slam at the Down Under. If he manages to clinch his 11th Australian Open title, he will possess the record-breaking feat of owning the most number of Grand Slam titles in both men's and women's tennis.