Former doubles world No 1 player Paul McNamee is surprised that Rafael Nadal "continues talking about Novak Djokovic" and believes the Serbian has been taking the "high ground" by not retaliating.
Nadal made his long-awaited return from injury last week in Brisbane after nearly a year out of the sport.
During his absence, Djokovic moved clear of Nadal on the all-time list for most Grand Slam titles by a male player after winning the Australian Open, French Open and US Open in 2023.
Nadal appears unlikely to ever catch his rival with the Spaniard already hinting that this year may be his final in professional tennis before retiring.
Novak Djokovic has moved clear of Rafael Nadal in Grand Slam titles
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The 37-year-old's return to competitive tennis sparked up questions about the 'Big Three' rivalry between himself, Djokovic and Roger Federer.
And the Spaniard claimed in a recent interview with Spanish media that Djokovic didn't need to reinvent himself as much as he and Federer.
Nadal said: "We have all been reinventing ourselves. That is why there has been this intense rivalry: we always surprised each other.
"Djovokic too, but he with a difference compared to the two of us (and he has a brutal merit of his own).
"He has evolved his game - all champions do - but he has not had the need to evolve it as much as we have. He hasn't suffered that many injuries. The only thing that has required him to improve his game has been his rivals, not his physical problems. It's a difference."
McNamee was left surprised by Nadal's comments about Djokovic, who the former doubles specialist feels is taking the "high ground".
"Of course the media and the fans of Rafa & Novak are the target of the controversy around Rafa who, surprisingly in my opinion, continues talking about Novak, who continues to take the high ground," he wrote on X.
"They’re desperately hoping they face off again, with French Open the most likely."
Novak Djokovic has now won 24 Grand Slams
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Nadal also caused a stir last year when he claimed Djokovic would have been "frustrated" if he hadn't finished first in the GOAT race.
The Serbian sporting icon disagreed with Nadal's controversial remarks, but refused to share his full opinions on his rival.
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Of course the media and the fans of Rafa & Novak are the target of the controversy around Rafa who, surprisingly in my opinion, continues talking about Novak, who continues to take the high ground. They’re desperately hoping they face off again, with French Open the most likely
— 🎗️ Paul McNamee (@PaulFMcNamee) January 4, 2024
“I have no intention of speaking in a negative light about him or Roger Federer – my respect towards them supersedes some negative opinions I might have," he said in response to Nadal's comments.
"Again, that’s Rafa’s opinion and I, of course, don’t agree.
"I have my opinion, but I won’t share it as I don’t want us to go deeper into that. There is no need for that.”