Djokovic stormed back to beat 19-year-old Jakub Mensik 6-7(4) 6-1 6-4 in the Shanghai Masters quarter-final on Friday. It was the Serb’s first tour-level meeting with the teenager.
He will have to get used to being the veteran holding off the young, rising stars as another of his old rivals is set to end their career. Following the retirements of Roger Federer and Andy Murray, Nadal will be the next member of the ‘Big Four’ to say goodbye, leaving Djokovic standing alone.
And it’s a reality that the Serb is already finding difficult to grasp. Asked about Nadal’s retirement announcement after his quarter-final victory, Djokovic replied: ” Well I posted you saw it on Instagram. I meant every word.
“You know, he’s been my greatest rival. The rivalry I had with him has impacted me the most in my career by far.”
While Nadal’s retirement announcement wasn’t unexpected, it still hit Djokovic hard. He continued: “Yeah, I mean, we knew that that moment is coming sooner than later but it’s still a shock when it came officially.
“Also for 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.”
Djokovic is still happy to be out on the tour but he got candid as he added: “I still enjoy competing but part of me left with them, big part of me.
“So it’s a tough news for tennis world, for sports world. Rafa has been an inspiration – is an inspiration to millions of children around the world so he can be very proud of his career.”
Djokovic had already paid tribute to Nadal with a heartwarming Instagram post hours after the news of his retirement broke. The world No. 4 shared a selection of photos over the years of their rivalry and wrote: “Rafa, one post is not enough to express the respect I have for you and what you have done for our sport.
“You have inspired millions of children to start playing tennis and I think that’s probably greatest achievement anyone can wish for. Your tenacity, dedication, fighting spirit is going to be taught for decades. Your legacy will live forever.
“Only you know what you had to endure to become icon of tennis and sport in general. 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.”
Serbia did not qualify for the Davis Cup Finals but Djokovic is now planning to head there to say farewell to his greatest opponent. “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,” he added.
