Mandatory Credit: Peter van den Berg-USA TODAY Sports

‘I’d Love To Pick Their Brains on That’ – Novak Djokovic Reveals Burning Questions He’d Pose to Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal

Djokovic reflects on Federer, Nadal questions at the 2025 US Open press conference

Mandatory Credit: Peter van den Berg-USA TODAY Sports

Novak Djokovic, speaking at his 2025 US Open press conference ahead of a quarterfinal clash with Taylor Fritz, opened up about his legendary rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. When asked what he would ask them if the three ever sat down together, the Serbian offered an intriguing answer that highlighted both his curiosity and respect for them.

Djokovic Curious About Federer and Nadal’s Approach

Djokovic, now the seventh seed in New York, has looked sharp in his run so far, dropping just two sets across wins over Jan-Lennard Struff, Zachary Svajda, Cameron Norrie, and Learner Tien. While his focus remains on claiming a record 25th major, the Serb reflected on the unique bond he shares with Federer and Nadal, whose careers ended in 2022 and 2024, respectively.

“A lot of questions,” Djokovic smiled when pressed about what he would ask the pair if they finally sat down together. “I’ll probably start with, how did they approach matches against me? What did they feel like they needed to do to win? Where was I annoying? And just how would they train? How would they mentally prepare? Like all this, I’d love to pick their brains on that. I mean, that would be amazing. But let’s see if it happens.”

🚨 Novak Djokovic Press Conference :

Q : What questions will you ask Roger and Rafa after you Retire ?

A : “I will try to pick their brains on how they prepared against me, how did I play, about my reactions 😅 and reminiscing…I hope it happens”

pic.twitter.com/4SWITqB8Kg
— SK (@Djoko_UTD) September 1, 2025

The comment once again underlined the respect among the ‘Big Three,’ even as Nole remains the last man standing on tour. With 24 Grand Slam titles to his name and just one shy of surpassing Margaret Court’s all-time record, his pursuit of greatness continues into his late 30s. He last tasted major glory at the US Open in 2023.

Yet the men’s game is slowly shifting. Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have combined to win seven of the last eight Grand Slam titles, signaling a generational takeover. Still, the scale of what Djokovic, Federer, and Nadal accomplished remains unmatched, with their dominance stretching across two decades.

Another Novak win another Novak record 🥳

Djokovic leads the way in seasons reaching all the Grand Slam Quarter-Finals! pic.twitter.com/SOwvbfOdte
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) September 1, 2025

As Djokovic steps into Arthur Ashe Stadium to face Fritz, the weight of history follows him. But away from the immediate pressure, his curiosity about Federer and Nadal’s mindset shows that even at this level, he wants to know more about his rivals and the kind of respect he has for them, as together they make the “Big Three,” tennis’ greatest.

Mandatory Image Credit: Peter van den Berg-USA TODAY Sports

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I’m an academic turned sports writer from Raipur, India, specializing in the NFL, MMA, and tennis at The Playoffs. I previously wrote for Sportskeeda and hold a B.A. and M.A. in History. My journey into sports media began far from the field, rooted in the arts and sciences. Funny enough, I didn’t grow up a sports fan; I used to see it all as just noise. But a fateful writing job introduced me to the world of sports, and what began as a gig quickly became a passion. I understood those voices aren’t noise; they’re emotions of true sports fans, and now I am one of them, writing with the same energy I once questioned.