The pair now seem to have a better bond than they did when they spent years battling it out at the top of tennis on the greatest stages. But Djokovic has now revealed that they never had a real off-court relationship.

“To be honest, he was always professional, I always had a lot of respect for Roger. If anyone deserves the Hall of Fame, it’s him,” the world No. 12 said of his old rival, speaking in Basel. “But we never had a relationship off the court, more of a rivalry, but we have great respect, he paved many paths for younger tennis players.”

That seems to be changing, though. Djokovic has often voiced his desire to meet up with Federer and Rafael Nadal once he has joined them in retirement, so they can reflect on their careers together.

“I don't reflect fully on everything I have been through,” the Serb said during last year’s Wimbledon Championships. “I would like to, but I think that’s going to come probably when I set the racket aside and I sip a margarita on the beach with Federer and Nadal and just reflect on our rivalry and everything!”

“Novak doesn’t know what that’s like yet. Rafa is slowly getting there. When you’re still playing, you can’t think about it the way I do today. The more time passes, the less you identify yourself as an individual player and the more you see the big picture. What’s funny is: Someone might have taken something totally personally—and you can’t even remember it anymore. I’m definitely up for sitting down together and talking about the good old days.”

While retirement doesn’t appear to be on Djokovic’s mind yet – he recently hit back at those who always ask about the end of his career in a new Prime Video documentary – another one of his rivals has bid farewell to the sport.

Before 41-year-old Wawrinka bowed out, Djokovic said: “We’ve had great battles over the years, we all talk about my age, but what about his age?! I have a lot of respect for him and what he's done, everything he's achieved in tennis. What stands out and impresses me is the last few years of his career.

“To be a three-time Grand Slam champion, a legend, played challengers and fought his way up the ranks, that's really amazing... That stands out. That spirit that also has love for sports, for tennis. It doesn't matter if he is playing a Grand Slam final or a Challenger, he brings those emotions. Tennis will surely miss him. One of the best backhands of all time will be missed. I always had a good relationship with him off the court.”