Novak Djokoviccurrent number one in the world tennis ranking, was awarded during the celebration of the 2024 Laureus Awards in Madrid as the ‘Best Athlete’ of the year, a ‘statue’ that he has achieved up to five times throughout his successful professional career.
The Serbian, who He recently made it official that he will not compete in the Mutua Madrid Openspoke at a press conference about the return of Rafa Nadalits planned calendar for 2024 and the atmosphere experienced at the Santiago Bernabéu after witnessing last weekend the Classic between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona.
“I have a lot of respect for Rafa, he is a good person and a legend of our sport. My most important rival in all this time. At the beginning of the season I told him that I hope we can see him in several tournaments. I hope to play against him once again“Nole stressed.
Likewise, he wanted to praise Nadal’s figure and the effort he is making to face the final stretch of his career on a tennis court: “At this time he cannot give a prediction for the future, but everything he has done in his career is incredible. “As an athlete and also with his wife, his family and the foundation, which has inspired many young people around the world.”
On the other hand, the winner of 24 ‘grandes’ took advantage of his visit to Madrid to explain his absence in the Madrid tournament. “Hopefully next year I can compete. I am preparing my body for Roland Garros, Wimbledon, the Olympic Games and the US Open, the most important block of the season. I intend to also play in Rome. This year is being different in terms of tennis and results,” added the Belgrade-born tennis player.
Novak’s main objective for this season is win a gold medal in Parisan achievement that has eluded him during his previous participations in the Games: “I think about it and I think it is possible. You always have to believe that everything is possible in life. Who knows if I will have the opportunity to play in other Games. “I said I want to play in Los Angeles 2028, but you never know how far you can go.”
Finally, Djokovic mentioned the great impression that Jude Bellingham made on him during the last Classic between Real Madrid and Barcelona: “I congratulated him for so many achievements at his age and for his goal. It was an incredible atmosphere. Serious, professional, dedicated and he believed that the opportunity would come, and it did. He’s only 20 years old. It is a characteristic of a great champion. He is also humble and a great person. Those are the values ​​that the little ones can see and reflect on. In our sport we have Alcaraz and Sinner.”
