Roger Federer Says He Doesn’t Change His Game Against Novak Djokovic, But He Does When He Plays Rafael Nadal

by Tom Gainey | November 21st, 2015, 11:55 am
  • 11 Comments

Roger Federer had some interesting insight into the difference he has between playing rivals Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

“I’ve always enjoyed the matchup with Novak,” Federer said Thursday. “I think it’s always very cool and athletic and straightforward, unlike Rafa where I feel like I have to change my game completely to compete with him.”

So Roger admits to having to change up his game when he plays against Rafa who is lefty and who hits the heavy topspin to the backhand side.


And it’s not surprising when you also consider Federer trails Nadal 23-11 but leads Djokovic 23-21 having three straight-set wins over the World No. 1 this season.

Federer could get his wish again tomorrow facing Djokovic for the 2015 ATP Finals title.


You Might Like:
Roger Federer Doesn’t Care If He Ever Beats Nadal In Paris Because He’s Already Won The French Open!
Ernests Gulbis Doesn’t Want To Be Recognized As A Tennis Player, So He Checks In His Racquets At Airports
It Doesn’t Look Like Novak Djokovic Would Be Good At Baseball [Video]
Rafael Nadal Brings 10-Match Win Streak Into Madrid, Cautions He Doesn’t Know Which Rafa Will Show Up
Rafael Nadal Feels Better, But Reveals He Doesn’t Like To Sleep Or Sit On The Sofa Watching TV

Read more stories about: ATP Finals
Don't miss any tennis action, stay connected with Tennis-X

Get the FREE TX daily newsletter

« »

11 Comments for Roger Federer Says He Doesn’t Change His Game Against Novak Djokovic, But He Does When He Plays Rafael Nadal

jane Says:

22-21 they were tied until Fed’s last win. Basically it’s a 50-50 proposition most times Fed and Nole meet

November 21st, 2015 at 1:33 pm


Pauly Says:

Federer & Djokovic play very Tight matches when both are in great form actually Federer feels comfortable playing Djokovic
Yet against Nadal he struggles ?
That’s likely to change if Nadal plays as poorly as he did this year … Nadal sadly has lost his legendary speed plus his lethal forehand is missing & of course his serve is not effective
Currently Nadal is Djokovic’s bunny rabbit … I think Nole is just repaying Nadal for all the pain he caused him in the past
There was a time Nadal was beating both Federer & Djokovic comfortably !
How times have changed

November 21st, 2015 at 2:59 pm


Gypsy Gal Says:

The battle of the beards,Roger in 3 IMO

November 21st, 2015 at 3:14 pm


Bob Lewis Says:

Interesting. Win or lose, Federer should stick to his game. The more he has strayed, the easier things had become for Nadal. No confidence is your normal game might be the worst thing that can happen.

November 21st, 2015 at 4:00 pm


Pauly Says:

Nadal’s forehand troubled Federer bigtime
Now it troubles no one
Federer will beat Djokovic

November 21st, 2015 at 4:04 pm


Chrisford1 Says:

Djokovic and Nadal is the 2nd best rivalry of the 2000s. Now its tied, though there are times when one dominated the other for a stretch of time. Still, much of the time it was a tossup on who would win.

The best rivalry is Djokovic-Federer. Highest quality of play. Also, like the other rivalry, amazingly close in the H2H. And often, significant stakes exist when they meet. Like this championship final. Fed wins, it’s 7-4 Fed in WTF titles and hard for Nole to catch. Novak wins, and it is 6-5 and you can see him equaling or beating Fed’s record in the future. Nole wins, he may arguably have the best year ever in the Open era. Fed beats him, then Rogers 2006 will remain the “best”..IMO.

November 21st, 2015 at 4:32 pm


Humble Rafa Says:

I want to remain a goat onwer. Thats all i care about.

November 21st, 2015 at 4:59 pm


Pauly Says:

Nadal vs Djokovic at their best is my favourite rivalry
Looking back Nadal always had the confidence to beat Djokovic but it all changed in 2011 when Djokovic finally blossomed as champion
But earlier on Federer vs Nadal was great rivalry also
Now it’s all Federer vs Djokovic … Nadal is too slow

November 21st, 2015 at 7:34 pm


kamret Says:

Federer currently leads Djokovic 22-21 (not 23-21).

November 22nd, 2015 at 5:25 am


Alexandra Says:

It’s simply a question of match-up. Doesn’t mean one is better than the other. Makes things interesting.

November 22nd, 2015 at 12:12 pm


Okiegal Says:

Well, I picked Novak to win, but in 3 sets….so I’m half right. Congratulations to all the Novak fans. He is definitely deserving. So sorry for the the Fed fans. We saw two great champions battle it out today. Good match, I loved it. I could watch and actually be stress free……To all TX fans….GOOD LUCK to all the fan’s favs for 2016!! I’m ready for the Aussie, first slam of the year!! VAMOS RAFA!!

November 22nd, 2015 at 2:44 pm

Top story: Most US Open Second Round Appearances