Federer's Strong Wish for Djokovic in 2026: 'I Hope He's at 100%'

In an ESPN interview, Roger Federer surprised with his sincere words for Novak Djokovic. The former world No. 1, now a keen observer, hopes his historic rival regains full strength this season.

© AFP

Jules Hypolite

le 17/01/2026 à 15h24

1 min to read

Djokovic Novak Federer Roger

Present in Melbourne this week, Roger Federer naturally made the media rounds, speaking on various topics.

In an interview with ESPN, the Swiss icon was asked what he hopes for Novak Djokovic this year, as the Serb approaches his 39th birthday.

"To see him at 100% in a Grand Slam semifinal"

"I hope he'll be in form, because we saw him struggle in his Grand Slam semifinals last year. He reached the semis in all four tournaments, but during those four matches he wasn't at 100%.

So I hope this time he'll be at 100% if he manages to reach the semifinals. That's my wish for Novak, and I hope he plays well. We don't know where he stands in terms of feelings right now, because he hasn't played yet, but I hope he had a good preseason and will have a good season."