Djokovic says relationship with Federer was always professional

Novak Djokovic has said his relationship with Roger Federer was almost always strictly professional, but that his respect for his former rival is immense. The Serbian, currently ranked 12th in the world, is competing this week at the Swiss Indoors in Basel, his first appearance at the tournament since 2011.

Two finals against Federer in Basel

Djokovic beat Federer in the 2009 final, his only title at the ATP 500 event. The Swiss won in 2010, beating him in the final, and those were the only times they met at this tournament.

Their rivalry spans 50 meetings between 2006 and 2020, with Federer holding a slight edge: 27 wins to Djokovic’s 23.

“It was always: rivals”

At the pre-tournament press conference in Basel, Djokovic was asked how his relationship with Federer had evolved over the years. The 39-year-old said: “To be honest, it was almost always strictly professional.”

He admitted he has always had, and still has, incredible respect for Federer, and congratulated him on his place in the Hall of Fame. “If anyone deserves it, it’s him,” he said with a smile.

The Serbian explained that, despite his admiration for the Swiss and for the positive impact he had on tennis, the relationship never went beyond rivalry. “But we never had any kind of relationship off the court. It was always: rivals. And that’s really it. My respect and admiration for what he did… not only for himself, but for the sport; he contributed immensely to the sport I am part of. He paved the way for all of us younger players, so I am very grateful for that.”

The return to Basel and the Australian Open

Djokovic also spoke to the Serbian website Sportal about his return to Basel. “I haven’t played in Basel for a long time,” he said. “The calendar changed, they changed the tournament in Saudi Arabia that I was going to play, so that week became free. I’m playing well, feeling good. Of course, it’s not yet the way we want, but at a competitive level.”

The 24-time Grand Slam winner also confirmed that he will play in the 2027 Australian Open. “For next season, I know I will be in Australia,” said the former world number one. “I will decide with the team whether I will play a tournament before the Australian Open or not.”