Sharing the court as Roger Federer's partner has given Novak Djokovic renewed respect for the 20-time Grand Slam champion.
The Wimbledon champion inadvertently drilled Federer when the pair partnered in doubles together at Laver Cup last month.
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The third-ranked Serbian said practicing and chatting together at Laver Cup has deepened his respect for his rival.
"It was a very unique experience. I have never experienced being on the same side of the court with him before," Djokovic told the media in Shanghai. "I was very excited. I was looking forward to it. I know he was, as well. I thought we had a blast on the court. We had fantastic time.
We enjoyed competing. I enjoyed training with him before that, preparing for that doubles match, tactically talking a lot about tennis in those four, five days, talking a lot about life and different subjects, family."
Djokovic said while doubles has strengthened the pair's relationship, it won't diminish the intensity of their rivalry.
"You know, I think in terms of respect, you know, at least from my side towards him, it has gotten to even a higher level of respect, and I think this kind of experience in Chicago has strengthened our relationship," Djokovic said. "But obviously it's not going to affect our rivalry. I think if we play each other and when we play each other next, you know, we want to win against each other. That's not going to change."
Federer said tactical talk with Djokovic was a treat.
"Novak has such an amazing and wonderful career, so to team up with somebody of his caliber is just a treat," Federer said. "Talking strategy, preparing for the match and then in itself, as well, is, I don't know, it's just very different. It's not something we are that used to."
Photo credit: Christopher Levy