Overview

• In a Corriere Della Sera interview, Novak Djokovic said he and Rafael Nadal were never friends, calling friendship between fierce rivals impossible.
• Djokovic stressed mutual respect, saying he has always admired Nadal and Roger Federer and feels gratitude for their role in shaping his career.
• He recalled that early in their careers they even went to dinner together twice, yet the relationship remained strictly competitive rather than personal.
• Djokovic exited the Shanghai Masters in the semi-finals to Valentin Vacherot 6-3, 6-4 after receiving physio for a back issue during the match.
• The 38-year-old, a 24-time Grand Slam champion now ranked No 5, holds a 31-29 edge over Nadal in their roughly 60 career meetings.