Novak Djokovic is targeting a 100th ATP title this weekend but says the imminent prospect of being the final active player from the ‘Big Four’ of men’s tennis feels “overwhelming”.
For many years, Djokovic had intense and rewarding rivalries with Roger Federer, Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal, who joined him in the famed quartet.
Djokovic beat Czech teenager Jakub Mensik 6-7 (4-7) 6-1 6-4 on Friday to reach the Shanghai Masters semi-finals and is still chasing tour success.The win came a day after Nadal announced he will retire in November.
Federer retired in 2022, while Murray ended his own career in August.
“[Nadal] has been my greatest rival. The rivalry I had with him has impacted me the most in my career by far,” Djokovic said after his win against Mensik.
“We knew that that moment is coming sooner than later, but it’s still a shock, you know.
“Roger a few years ago, when he announced retirement, and Andy as well this year. I mean, it’s a bit overwhelming for me to be honest.
“I don’t know what to make out of it. I still enjoy competing. But part of me left with them, a big part of me.”
Serbia’s Djokovic has won 24 Grand Slam titles – a men’s record – and claimed a long-awaited Olympic gold earlier this year. (BBC sport)
