has cleared up his relationship with as he prepares to retire.
The Spaniard will play his penultimate tournament at this week's Six Kings Slam exhibition event in Saudi Arabia where he could face his old rival.
Djokovic previously . But the 38-year-old feels differently about their off-court relationship.
Nadal, Djokovic and Roger Federer dominated the sport for the better part of two decades. But with Federer already retired and , the 24-time Grand Slam champion will be the last man standing.
Djokovic was always the odd one out in the Big Three - he came up later than his rivals and played catch-up for years. As they got older, Nadal and Federer formed a friendship away from the tennis court while the current world No. 4 didn't appear as close with his foes.
But Nadal has now claimed that he also has a strong bond with Djokovic, even if the Serb doesn't feel the same way.
Asked how he maintained a friendship with Federer off the court, the Spaniard told DAZN: "Of course with Roger it has been special but with Novak too, I have a good relationship."
The 22-time Grand Slam champion believes he is able to get on with his rivals because they share similar values. "It's the way that you approach the sport," he continued.
"I think that's possible because at the end, we understand that it's only a game. In life, we have many more important things outside of tennis."
"At the end of the day, if you have a good relationship with the colleagues, with the people who are next to you or with the people in general, without a doubt, in my experience, you will be happier. So at the end, tennis is only a game, relationships go beyond that."
However, Djokovic doesn't appear to be entirely on the same page about his dynamic with Nadal. "Even with him, friendship is impossible. I have always respected and greatly admired him," he previously told .
While grateful for his rivalry with Nadal, the Olympic champion added: "We have never been friends. Between rivals, it is not possible, but we have never been enemies."
Djokovic seems to have shifted his perspective though. The world No. 4 has already
With their fierce rivalry all but over - Djokovic won their 60th and final professional match at the Olympics - they could do battle one last time in Saudi Arabia this weekend, though it won't count as an official meeting.
However, Nadal isn't too fussed about facing Djokovic again. "We played plenty of times, we don't need to play again. But have been always a big challenge, a great rival. He's a player that has been always pushing me at the highest level, going through the limits," he smiled.
You may also like
Strictly's Wynne and Katya look strained behind scenes after cosying up for cameras
Argos shoppers snapping up NEW Xbox Series S, which solves console's biggest problem
Watch: 'Jalebi' celebrations as BJP unanimously elects Nayab Singh Saini as legislature party leader
Tarun Chugh confident of BJP-led NDA victory in Maha, J'khand polls
Beauty Tips: Try these home remedies to bring an instant glow to your face, you will get the benefit
Lucy Beaumont's new man worked for ex Jon Richardson as awkward connection revealed
England squad announcement as George Ford call made for Autumn series
Woman 'disgusted' after 33 new flats that can 'see into her bedroom' built around home
"No one will be spared..." Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde on Baba Siddique's murder
Kevin Owens Reveals Reason Behind Attacking Cody Rhodes After Bad Blood, Gives WWE An Ultimatum To Air His Video
Limited time code unlocks 20% off Samsung Galaxy phones and smartwatches
It's A Beast: Tesla's Semi Is The Future Of Trucking
Allu Arjun's fan cycles to Hyderabad from UP, actor books flight for him
Vastu Tips: Do not do this even by mistake in the north direction, otherwise you will become poor
Holger Rune defends rapid coaching changes after cycling through Becker and Mouratoglou
Mallikarjun Kharge's Facebook page managed from Norway, says Assam minister
Delhi: Friend Throws Brick at Man, Leaves him Bleeding to Death over Rs 400 for Liquor
Prime Video To Include Ads In Shows, Movies In India From Next Year
Kerala man sets Guinness World Record for smallest washing machine
New CCTV released 20 years after student murdered at nightclub as police issue appeal