Novak Djokovic says motivation levels dropped after Rafael Nadal retirement - 'A part of me left with him'

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Novak Djokovic became the last of tennis' iconic Big Four standing following Rafael Nadal's retirement from the sport last November. The four legendary players reunited at Roland-Garros. Djokovic believes that part of him left with Nadal when the Spaniard called it a day. The pair shared an intense rivalry on the court, with Djokovic winning 24 Grand Slams and Nadal retiring with 22.

Watch as Federer, Djokovic and Murray greet Nadal in emotional ceremony

Video credit: TNT Sports

Novak Djokovic believes that a part of him left with Rafael Nadal when the tennis legend retired from the sport last November.

Nadal called time on his illustrious career following Spain's elimination from the 2024 Davis Cup, leaving his Serbian rival as the last active member of tennis' fabled Big Four.

Djokovic, Nadal, Roger Federer and Andy Murray reunited at Roland-Garros on Sunday as the Spaniard said farewell to a tournament he won 14 times, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

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Djokovic, who will get his French Open campaign underway against Mackenzie McDonald on Tuesday, told Swiss publication Le Matin that he has not been the same since Nadal's retirement.

"Yes, it was hard to stay motivated without him," he said.

"Honestly, I didn’t think it would be like this.

Watch as Nadal basks in spine-tingling standing ovation at French Open

Video credit: TNT Sports

"A part of me left with him and it’s been a challenge to find my motivation again.

"Luckily, there are other things that give me inspiration.

"When Rafa stopped, I felt something I had never felt before."

Djokovic defeated Hubert Hurkacz 5-7 7-6(2) 7-6(2) to win the 2025 Geneva Open final on Saturday as he secured his 100th career title.

He now will hope to win his fourth French Open crown over the next two weeks.

However, the world No. 6 admitted that he felt flat without Nadal there to push him to his limit.

"I thought, what do I do now?," he said.

"There was a bit of that, especially on the court where I felt flat.

"Off the court, I feel like it didn’t impact me in the same way.

"But after six months, I think I can say that it’s better."

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