Rafael Nadal responds to Novak Djokovic’s statement that his warm-up routine used to intimidate him.
Rafael Nadal has provided a definitive response to Novak Djokovic's assertion that his warm-up used to be intimidating.
Nadal’s uncertainty about his retirement has momentarily ceased, with the 22-time Grand Slam winner making a comeback to professional tennis in Brisbane. He participated in a doubles match and is scheduled to face Dominic Thiem in his return to singles.
The iconic Spaniard’s return opens the door for media inquiries covering a broad spectrum of topics, and it comes as no surprise that one of the figures regularly brought up is fellow tennis legend Djokovic. Many consider Nadal and Djokovic to share the greatest rivalry in the history of the sport, having faced each other an astonishing 59 times, with the Serbian holding a slight 30-29 advantage in the head-to-head record. Their encounters have produced numerous classic matches.
The extensive history between the two sparked headlines when Djokovic admitted in a 60 Minutes interview that he felt intimidated by Nadal’s warm-up routine at the French Open during their first encounter there. Djokovic’s candid admission showcased his mental growth from a young player who once felt intimidated to becoming one of the most mentally resilient athletes of all time.
In response to Djokovic’s remarks, Nadal clarified that he never intended to convey any sense of intimidation during his warm-up routine.
“It was never, never, never my intention to intimidate. I warm up like that, trying to be prepared and ready to go, and I work out, nothing more. I haven’t heard what he said, honestly.”
Rafael Nadal, Regarding if he scares opponents.
