Roger Federer was very impressed by Novak Djokovic in their very first meeting at the 2006 Monte Carlo Masters. In this article know more about what the legend had to say about the youngster.
The Monte-Carlo Masters 2006 was the first time when two of the Big Three met for the first time. Federer played against Djokovic in the very first round and defeated him 6-3, 2-6, 6-3.
Federer was already 7 Majors old when he was playing Djokovic at Monte Carlo. He had won the Wimbledon Open in three consecutive years from 2003 to 2005. Federer was 24 when he played the Serbian teenager who was only 18 then.
In a post-match interview after their match, Federer was asked about his experience of playing against Djokovic and he said:
“Well, I definitely think he’s a good player, yeah. I mean, we’re gonna play him again in Davis Cup so it’s going to be interesting to see. Yeah, I mean, he was all right from the baseline and everything. I think he’s still got many areas where he can improve, so there is some potential, absolutely.”
– Roger Federer in an interview with ASAP Sports
Cut to 2023 Federer’s words for Djokovic still hold true. Djokovic went on to surpass the Swiss legend as the highest number of Grand Slams won and has broken many records since then.
Federer after playing Djokovic for the first time in 2006:
— The Big Three (@Big3Tennis) November 8, 2023
Q. Djokovic is being talked about as one of the most promising young players in the world. Did he show you something today?
ROGER FEDERER: Well, I definitely think he's a good player, yeah. I mean, we're gonna play him…
Novak Djokovic sets his goals ahead of ATP Finals
The Nitto ATP Finals is starting in Turin on Sunday and Novak Djokovic has his goals set for the upcoming tournament.
Novak Djokovic recently won the 2023 Paris Masters defeating Grigor Dimitrov in the finals in straight sets. He was the top seed going into the tournament and also ended the tournament in the same way.
As he gears up for the ATP Finals next week it is only a fight between him and Alcaraz to end the year as the World No.1. Carlos Alcaraz who was a contender for the same made it very easy for Djokovic by losing in his first match at Paris Masters.
Djokovic earned the highest ranking points by winning the Paris Masters title and is almost 1500 points ahead of the second seed Carlos Alcaraz. Djokovic is focusing on his recovery after the Paris Masters and is just a win away from the No. 1 spot.
He’ll be looking to win the tournament and become the only player in the history of Tennis to have won the ATP Finals a record number of 7 times. Beating Roger Federer’s joint record of 6 FInals Title.
