Novak Djokovic has shed light on his rivalry with Rafael Nadal, the ‘frustration’ the Spaniard caused him on clay and how that moulded him into a better player.

Djokovic is into the third round of the French Open but he admitted he is finding it increasingly difficult to stay motivated in the modern game.

Of the big three, Djokovic is still going strong but Roger Federer is retired and Nadal has been plagued by injury issues in recent years.

“[Nadal] has been the greatest rival that I ever had,” Djokovic said. “Matches against him on clay have frustrated me so much in my career, but they also made me a better player, made me understand what it takes to try to surpass him; try to win at least once or twice at Roland Garros.

“It’s the highest mountain to climb for me to win Roland Garros, particularly because of Nadal, because I always have to win against him in order to get to the title. We had some really fantastic matches here.”