The retirement of Roger Federer and the fitness problems which Rafael Nadal has been struggling to overcome suggest that one of the greatest eras in tennis history is drawing to a close.Tennis fans have been spoiled in recent times with Federer, Nadal and Novak Djokovic taking the game to a new level.Much of the previous fifteen years has also seen British star Andy Murray cause all three problems.

The golden era of tennis

As well as the epic matches and ridiculous levels of consistency, an enduring feature of this golden era has been the mutual respect between the main protagonists.

Supporters of each of the “big three” could put forward a case for who is the greatest of all-time, however the rivalry which has usually been given top billing is that of Federer and Nadal.

However, there is evidence to suggest that Nadal and Djokovic have actually had an even greater rivalry and a video of the Spaniard at a press conference from around 2014 has surfaced on Twitter, joking that Djokovic is a challenge too far for all but the foolhardy.

PARIS, FRANCE - MAY 31: Novak Djokovic of Serbia and Rafael Nadal of Spain shake hands at the net after their Men's Singles Quarter Final match on Day 10 of The 2022 French Open at Roland Garros on May 31, 2022 in Paris, France. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Nadal and Djokovic's great rivalry

It is clear that neither man has truly got the measure of the other. The two have faced each other 59 times, including in all four major finals, with Djokovic leading 30–29 overall.

Djokovic leads 15–13 in finals of all levels, while Nadal leads 11–7 at majors.

So, when Nadal was asked if given his love for a challenge, he was glad Djokovic was around in the same era he gave a brutally honest answer. Laughing, the fourteen-time French Open winner said:

“No. I like challenges but I am not stupid”.

Video: Rafael Nadal's iconic response to Novak Djokovic question

The re-emergence of this video has provoked a huge reaction on Twitter. Many say that Nadal’s quote was both honest and funny.

Acknowledging how difficult he, and everyone else, found an opponent of Djokovic’s quality with a touch of humour.

Was Nadal harsh on Djokovic?

Rafael Nadal in action

PARIS, FRANCE - MAY 31: Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts against Novak Djokovic of Serbia during the Men's Singles Quarter Final match on Day 10 of The 2022 French Open at Roland Garros on May 31, 2022 in Paris, France. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Others, however, point out that Nadal was usually much more complimentary about Federer, who he led 24-16 at the time of the Swiss legend’s retirement, while not always being as generous in his praise with someone like Djokovic who he lost too more often.

A view which is harsh on Nadal who has proved to be a fierce competitor but a gentleman off the court.

According to Steve Keating of Reuters, when asked the same question Djokovic gave a more in-depth answer: “I think the challenges, big challenges that I had in my career changed me in a positive way as a player…because of Rafa and because of Roger I am what I am today.”