‘We Mostly Avoid Each Other,' Djokovic Reveals Locker Room Scenes With Nadal, Federer

Novak Djokovic in a recent press conference joked about how he avoids his rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in the locker room ahead of their major matches.

Locker rooms are not that big everywhere so Djokovic admitted to being in “awkward” situations with their teams and “huge emotions on the line.”

Djokovic, who won his 17th Grand Slam when he defeated Dominic Thiem in the final of Australian Open last month in Melbourne, is currently enjoying some off duty back at home in Serbia.

Ahead of the next ATP tournament – Dubai Open – Djokovic gave a press conference where he was also asked an interesting but funny question.

A journalist asked the Serbian how it is to share the same locker room with the likes of Federer and Nadal during big games. Djokovic, who is known for his wits, replied with a touch of humor.

“We mostly avoid each other (breaks into laughter). Locker rooms aren’t that big everywhere, so we sometimes hide behind our lockers or something like that. Sometimes we take shower cabins next to each other, but we don’t look (chuckling). It’s a bit uncomfortable, we are in awkward situations there with our team, huge emotions are on the line,” said Djokovic.

The upcoming ATP 500 event Dubai Open is expected to feature the likes of Federer, Gael Monfils, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Fabio Fognini apart from Djokovic.

Federer, who is the defending champion in Dubai, recently lost to Djokovic in straight sets at the Australian Open semi-final.

Women’s matches at the Dubai Open have begun, while the men’s action will commence from Monday. The final is scheduled to be played on Saturday and all the matches will be played at the Aviation Club Tennis Centre.