Rafael Nadal offers real feelings about Djokovic and Federer in revealing insight

In an open letter reflecting on his career, the former world number one revealed how he handled his rivals.

Nadal claimed that his parents imposed a “golden rule” on him, which he followed in every match, including those against his greatest adversaries.

The 38-year-old recently finished his illustrious career at the Davis Cup Finals, retiring after Spain was eliminated in the quarterfinals. Nadal was honored in an emotional event, speaking to the audience before viewing a tribute video.

Djokovic and Federer were both seen on the screen. The Serb complimented Nadal for helping him improve his game, while Federer described it as a “privilege” to compete on the court.

While the trio is currently in love, they spent years fighting to make history in the sport. Djokovic has even confessed that they were never “friends”.

However, Nadal has now revealed his approach to their historic rivalry, stating that he has never “hated” any of his opponents. “I hope that my legacy is that I always tried to treat others with deep respect,” the Spaniard wrote for The Players’ Tribune.

“This was the golden rule of my parents. When I was a kid, my father would always tell me, ‘Inventing is hard. Copying is much easier.’ He wasn’t talking about tennis. It was about life.

“Look around you and notice the people you admire. How they treat others. What you adore about them. Act like them, and you’ll probably have a happy life.”

It was a philosophy that Nadal followed every time he took the court, and it shaped his attitude toward players such as Djokovic and Federer. He added: “I carried that lesson with me into every match I ever played.

“I was motivated not by animosity for my competitors, but by genuine respect and admiration. I just wanted to get up every morning and get a little better so I could keep up with them. It did not always work! “But I tried. I always tried.”

Nadal and Djokovic’s mutual respect was clear when they were able to play one final match at the Six Kings Slam exhibition in October, despite the fact that the Spaniard had previously proclaimed his retirement during the Davis Cup Finals.

The multi-Grand Slam champions met in a third-place playoff, which Djokovic won 6-2 7-6(5) after holding off a late comeback from Nadal in the second set. Afterward, the current world number seven told Nadal, “I have the utmost respect for you.”

“Amazing athlete, amazing person. The rivalry has been terrific and intense.

“So I hope that we’ll have a chance to maybe sit on the beach somewhere and have a little drink, reflecting on life, talking about something else, you know.”

The 22-time Major winner responded: “Novak, you made me push my limits for 15 years. I doubt I’d be the same player without you. I wish you the best of luck in the future.