Novak Djokovic 'overwhelmed' by idea of being last man standing from Big-4 as Rafael Nadal nears joining Roger Federer, Andy Murray in retirement

Novak Djokovic, the youngest member of the 'Big-4,' is, rather unsurprisingly, destined to remain the last man standing out of the quartet, which also includes Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray. However, the Serb can't help but shake the overwhelming feeling the idea stirs in him.

Federer was the first to embrace retirement in the Big 4, playing his last professional match at the 2022 Laver Cup. Two years later, Andy Murray bid adieu to tennis, playing one last time at the Paris Olympics. On Thursday, October 10, Nadal confirmed that his time was up as well, announcing to the world that he would be hanging up his racket after the Davis Cup Finals this year.

Djokovic quickly reacted to Nadal's announcement, taking to Instagram to dedicate a touching tribute to his longtime rival and colleague. On Friday, the 37-year-old was in action at the Shanghai Masters, taking down Jakub Mensik 7-6Z(4), 6-1, 6-4 to reach the semifinals. At his on-court interview afterward, he expanded further on how the announcement affected him, saying that it was a "shock" to him even though he knew the decision from the Spaniard was coming.

Then, turning his attention to the fact that he is now the only one about to be left in the Big 4, the 24-time Grand Slam champ turned emotional, stating that he felt like a part of him has also left along with the retirement of his fellow members. At the same time, he made it clear that he personally still loved playing and that his own retirement was not something he was considering at the moment.

“Well, I posted, you saw it on instagram. I meant every word. He’s been my greatest rival. The rivalry I had with him has impacted me the most in my career by far. I mean, we knew that the moment is coming sooner than later. But it’s still a shock. When it came officially, also for Roger a few years ago as well, when he announced retirement.. Andy as well this year.. it’s a bit overwhelming for me to be honest," Djokovic said.

"I don’t know what to make of it. I still enjoy competing. But part of me left with them.. a big part of me. It’s tough news for the tennis world, for the sports world. Rafa has been an inspiration for millions of children around the world," he added.

In the semifinals, Djokovic is set to take on Taylor Fritz up next.

Novak Djokovic to Rafael Nadal: "Thank you for pushing me to the very limit so many times in our rivalry"

Davis Cup World Group I: Serbia v Greece - Source: Getty

Speaking in the Instagram tribute to Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic thanked the Spaniard for pushing him to the limit in their rivalry and making him a better player in the process. The Serb also assured him that he would be there at the Davis Cup Finals in person to watch his swansong.

Thank you for pushing me to the very limit so many times in our rivalry that has impacted me the most as a player. Your passion for representing Spain has always been remarkable. I wish you best possible farewell in Malaga with Davis Cup team of Spain. I will be there in person to pay respect to your stellar career," Djokovic said.

Djokovic and Nadal played each other 60 times on the ATP Tour over the course of their careers, with the former narrowly leading 31-29 in the head-to-head.