Novak Djokovic on potentially facing Rafael Nadal one last time at French Open 2024: "If you give me a choice, I would say anywhere else"

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic recently discussed the prospect of facing his long-time rival Rafael Nadal one last time at the French Open in 2024. The Serb suggested that he'd prefer to play him "anywhere else" given Nadal's unmatched record on the clay of Paris.

Ahead of his Davis Cup quarter-finals match, Djokovic discussed his career, records, and famous rivalries with Nadal and Federer in an interview with MARCA. On the topic of a final showdown with Nadal at Roland Garros in 2024, Djokovic quipped:

"Although if you give me a choice, I would say anywhere else. Roland Garros wouldn't be bad, but Nadal is the player who has won there the most times in the history of the tournament."

When asked about the records he’s eyeing next, Djokovic expressed his desire to break the record of most career ATP titles.

"I want to win as many tournaments as possible and pass Connors," he said.

Novak Djokovic also reflected on the significance of Carlos Alcaraz's win over him at Wimbledon. Djokovic believes the loss helped reignite his motivation; the Serb has lost only one match on tour since then.

"It was good to lose to Carlos because it motivated me for the rest of the season," he said.

When asked about his unique dynamic with Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, Djokovic gave his thoughts on why he considers them as rivals more than 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.

Novak Djokovic further shared his Olympic aspirations, saying that he was aiming for the gold medal next year in Paris. He also discussed the challenge of competing at Roland Garros for the Olympics, a venue that will bring back memories of the 2012 Games.

"It's going to be a strange feeling for me to play the Games at the Roland Garros," he said. "It will be similar to the feeling I had in 2012, when it was at Wimbledon. I think it was the first and the last time it was played there with colored shirts and not the white ones."

When asked about his legacy, Djokovic expressed a desire to be remembered for more than just records. He stated:

"Apart from the records, I would like to leave a legacy for those to come. I would like to be remembered as someone who used the platform that tennis allows me and my status to help other players so that more can make a living from the racquet."

Novak Djokovic sets sights on the wellness industry with new sports drink venture

Novak Djokovic celebrates with the trophy at ATP Finals 2023

Novak Djokovic is branching out into the wellness industry with a new venture set to launch in Australia. Fresh from his ATP Finals win, Djokovic has come up with a new energizing sports drink. This will be the starting point for a more comprehensive range of health-focused items the Serb plans to unveil.

The announcement came with the detail that the sports drink would be introduced during the 2024 Australian Open. Djokovic said the plans for this venture had been in place since the end of the 2023 US Open, when he had taken a break to focus on developing the brand.

Although the exact date for the launch of the product has not yet been specified, there is speculation that it may occur in the week between the United Cup and the Australian Open.