The Serbian admits that the plan was to be in Malaga on the day of the semifinals, but Spain’s early elimination meant that nothing went as expected.
Although a couple of months have passed since the withdrawal of Rafael Nadal, it is still a very recurring topic that occasionally finds its place in the spotlight. Especially considering that Novak Djokovic had not yet spoken out about that event, where many expected his presence but it ultimately did not happen. In a private chat with Tennis Majors, the Serbian confessed how he experienced everything from a distance and made it clear that his intention was to have been in Malaga for the tribute to the Spaniard, but a last-minute unforeseen event changed everything.
“I don’t know the exact details of how they envisioned the ceremony, but I know the plan was to do it after the semifinals,” says the Belgrade native. “The intention was for Andy Murray and me to be there, as we couldn’t fit our schedules for the quarterfinals, but we were guaranteed to go on the day of the semifinals. Unfortunately, nothing went as expected, what can you do? I don’t know anything beyond this,” explains Djokovic, who usually spends many weeks a year in Spain, although in this case, more than one person was left out of the plan.
And what does Novak think of the ceremony? Did he like the video that the ITF put together to pay tribute to Nadal? On this topic, he also waded into controversial waters, although here it is normal to agree with the opinion of 99% of the people who saw that video as something very incomplete compared to what it could have been. “Of course, I saw the ceremony, yes […] If you want my opinion, I think it was not done correctly. Maybe Rafa himself wasn’t sure if he would play or not, if he could play a little more, so maybe it was too late to do something bigger. I don’t know, really, it’s all speculation”.
SEVERAL IMPORTANT ABSENCES
While competing in the first Grand Slam of the season these days, Novak still vividly remembers the void that Rafa may have felt that Tuesday in Malaga, where the elimination of the Spanish team marked the end of his career. To this blow, a lackluster farewell must also be added, where many people close to the 14-time Roland Garros champion were missing. A series of bad decisions, accompanied by a large dose of bad luck, culminated in a retirement to forget. “Maybe Rafa didn’t want to make too much noise about it to not disturb the rest of the teams, out of respect for the matches, I don’t know. Honestly, I feel very bad for not being able to be there,” Djokovic confesses in the interview.
But it was not only Novak; none of the Big3 members were there, nor were many other tennis players who are related to Nadal and were important in his career, or athletes from other disciplines who greatly admire him. It concerns me that two months later, no one has made a move to pay him a tribute that is worthy of Rafa, although this is a matter that should be discussed another time. By the way, if it happens, let’s hope Novak doesn’t miss it.
