The tennis world has been rocked by recent statements from Roger Federer, which have left the global media in a state of shock. The legendary Swiss player, known for his composure and professionalism, surprised everyone with his comments about his good friend and rival, Novak Djokovic, following his unexpected defeat at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters.

In a recent interview, Federer expressed an opinion that surprised many: “When you lose, you lose. You shouldn’t make excuses or give reasons for why you fail in a tournament. You can’t simply differentiate between one tournament and another as if they were in separate categories,” Federer stated, in a direct tone that made clear his displeasure with Djokovic’s statements.

These words come after Djokovic explained to reporters the reason for his first-round defeat at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters. According to the Serbian, “I don’t care about this tournament because I’ll give it my all at Roland-Garros,” prompting a wave of reactions from both the media and other players.

Federer, known for his rivalry and friendship with Djokovic, didn’t hesitate to express his disagreement with his friend’s position. “Every tournament has its importance,” Federer added. “The effort and dedication must be the same in every competition. It’s not fair to underestimate what’s at stake in Monte-Carlo just because the focus is on Roland-Garros later.”

These statements have rekindled the debate about the mentality of great champions and the reasons behind defeats in professional tennis. While many consider Djokovic one of the greatest tennis players of all time, this time his attitude was called into question by one of his closest rivals.

The Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, considered one of the most prestigious tournaments of the season, has been the scene of many upsets, and Djokovic’s early defeat has left a question hanging in the air: Is the pressure of Roland-Garros causing some players to downplay other tournaments? This topic will undoubtedly continue to be a talking point in the tennis world in the coming days.

The rivalry between Federer and Djokovic has always been one of the most intense on tour, and this latest episode only adds another chapter to their complex relationship. Beyond words, however, the two players have repeatedly demonstrated their mutual respect on and off the court, although this time tensions appear to have reached a new level.