Novak Djokovic said he wants to follow in Roger Federer's footsteps and have his biggest rivals by his side when he brings the curtain down on his career.
Images of Federer and Rafael Nadal - who shared one of tennis's most enthralling rivalries - sitting together and crying after combining in a Laver Cup doubles defeat at London's O2 Arena on Friday went viral on social media.
Djokovic and Andy Murray - two of Federer's other main rivals - were also present for the 41-year-old's final bow.
"It was just a very touching, very emotional moment," Djokovic told reporters on Tuesday in Tel Aviv, where he will play an ATP 250 event this week.
"Seeing his kids and his family, it got me emotional as well. I also must say I was thinking about how it would look for me when I say goodbye to tennis.
"There is definitely one thing that I will wish to have, other than, of course, my family and the close people in my life, I would love to have my biggest rivals and competitors there. Because it added something more special, added more importance to that moment."
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An emotional Roger Federer, left, of Team Europe sits alongside his playing partner Rafael Nadal after their Laver Cup doubles match against Team World's Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe at the O2 Arena in London on Friday, September 23, 2022. AP -
Roger Federer struggles to contain his tears after the Laver Cup match on Friday. Federer lost the doubles match with Nadal, marking the end of an illustrious career that included 20 Grand Slam titles. AP -
Roger Federer wipes away his tears at the O2 Arena in London. PA -
Roger Federer acknowledges the crowd after playing his final professional match during the Laver Cup in London on Friday. AP -
Roger Federer is hoisted by Team Europe teammates after playing his final match. AFP -
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal wipe away their tears in London. AFP -
Team Europe's Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer during their doubles match against Team World's Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe. Reuters -
Roger Federer during his doubles match with Rafael Nadal. Reuters -
Roger Federer shakes hands with USA's Jack Sock of Team World after their Laver Cup doubles match at the O2 Arena in London. AFP -
Rafael Nadal of Team Europe during the doubles match. Getty -
Roger Federer hits a return. AFP -
An emotional Roger Federer is embraced by his wife Mirka. AP -
Roger Federer embraces his wife Mirka and their children. AP -
A fan in tears after Team Europe's Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal lose their Laver Cup doubles match. AP -
Roger Federer of Team Europe is embraced by his wife Mirka. AP -
Team World's Jack Sock, left, and Frances Tiafoe react after winning a point against Team Europe's Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. AP
The 35-year-old Serb, who is one major title behind Nadal's men's record of 22, said felt no issues with his wrist, which had been bothering him during the Laver Cup in London last week.
Djokovic said the Spaniard remains his biggest rival.
"We played the most matches against each other of any other rivalry in the history of tennis," said Djokovic, who missed the Australian and US Opens this year due to not being vaccinated against Covid-19.
"The rivalry is very special and keeps going. Hopefully, we'll get a chance to play against each other more times. Because it's exciting for us and also for tennis fans and sport fans around the world."
