Djokovic insists "intense rivalries" forcing "Big Four" to play better than before

World number one tennis player Novak Djokovic has insisted that the Big Four are playing better than they did a few years ago because of the intense rivalries between them to reach the top spot.

Djokovic is now eyeing a repeat of his Miami Masters win in March, having won the trophy last year at the ATP and WTP hardcourt event. He would be taking heart from a second consecutive Indian Wells win after beating Roger Federer 6-3, 6-7 (5-7), 6-2 this year in the final.

With Federer not playing Miami by choice and instead taking his family skiing before a fortnight's training back home in Switzerland, the way is open for Djokovic, second seed Rafael Nadal and number three Andy Murray to add ranking points before the switch to European clay next month, Sport24 reported.

With more than half a decade of rivalry between the Big Four, any edge is welcome in the heated competition among the elite.

Eight Grand Slam titles winner Djokovic said that the Big Four still keep on pushing and moving the borders, adding that they still keep on improving.

The Serb said that they are playing better than they did a few years ago and added that it is because of these rivalries. Djokovic has eight Grand Slam titles to his name, while Federer has won 17, Nadal has won 13 and Murray has clinched two.

Djokovic claimed that that's something that is special in their sport.