Rafael Nadal continuing to talk about Novak Djokovic surprising says Paul McNamee, says Djokovic takes high ground instead of replying

Australian former doubles world No. 1 Paul McNamee shared his opinion on Rafael Nadal's comments regarding Novak Djokovic. The Spanish tennis star stirred controversy when asked about his arch-rivals Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, highlighting the differences in their respective careers.

Nadal emphasized that all three players have reinvented themselves throughout their careers, contributing to the intense rivalry among them. However, he pointed out that he and Federer had to undergo more significant reinvention due to their physical challenges, while 'Nole' has not had to contend with major injuries. Nadal stated, "We have all been reinventing ourselves. That is why there has been this intense rivalry: we always surprised each other. Djokovic too, but he with a difference compared to the two of us (and he has a brutal merit of his own)."

"He has evolved his game - all champions do - but he has not had the need to evolve it as much as we have. He hasn't suffered that many injuries. The only thing that has required him to improve his game has been his rivals, not his physical problems. It's a difference," he added.

Speaking about the rivalries with each, Nadal placed Federer in a higher position as his rival: "As far as I can remember, he is the player who has impressed me the most, the one who has entertained me the most, the one who has excited me the most. I have been more excited to see Federer play than Djokovic, and in the end, tennis is emotion, emotion is what draws you to it," he said.

Paul McNamee expressed his surprise on social media regarding Nadal's comments and mentioned that he is "desperate" to have a new match against Djokovic: "Of course the media and the fans of Rafa & Novak are the target of the controversy around Rafa who, surprisingly in my opinion, continues talking about Novak, who continues to take the high ground. They’re desperately hoping they face off again, with French Open the most likely," he posted on X (formerly Twitter).