Novak Djokovic says 'a big part of him LEFT tennis' when his great rivals quit the sport - as serial champion reacts to Rafael Nadal following Roger Federer and Andy Murray into retirement

Novak Djokovic has admitted that tennis has not been the same for him without his rivalries with the likes of Roger Federer, Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal.

Federer retired from tennis in 2022 with 20 Grand Slam singles titles to his name.

Murray, a winner of three Slams, then called time on his career in August earlier this year.

And now Nadal - who faced Djokovic in 28 finals between 2007 and 2021 - has confirmed that he will stop playing later this year.

Djokovic and Nadal have faced off 60 times during their careers, although they have only played against each other six times this decade, with the Spaniard no longer one of the top-ranked stars.

Novak Djokovic has said that he will miss Rafael Nadal when the Spaniard quits tennis this year

Nadal announced this week that he will retire from tennis after November's Davis Cup Finals

As two of the 'Big Three' dominating men's tennis over the last two decades, Djokovic and Nadal have met countless times (pictured in 2007)

After beating Jakub Mensik on Friday to reach the semi-finals of the Shanghai Masters, world No 4 Djokovic was questioned about Nadal during his post-match interview.

Asked what he made of Nadal's decision to call it a day, 24-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic replied: 'Well, I posted. You saw it on Instagram. I meant every word.

'He's been my greatest rival. The rivalry I had with him has impacted me the most in my career by far. We knew that the moment was 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... Andy as well this year... it's a bit overwhelming for me to be honest.

'I don't know what to make of it. I still enjoy competing. But part of me left with them... a big part of me.

'It's tough news for the tennis world and sports world. Rafa has been an inspiration for tons of children around the world.'

Djokovic had earlier paid tribute to Nadal in a 138-word statement on Instagram.

It read: '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.

Of the 2000s-2020s greats, only the Serbian serial champion remains (pictured left to right Andy Murray, Djokovic, Roger Federer and Nadal in 2022)

Serb Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, is currently fourth in the ATP world rankings

'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 an 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. 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'.

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