Yes, Frieza harbors a twisted form of respect for Goku, acknowledging his immense strength despite his overwhelming hatred.
While Frieza primarily feels animosity towards Goku for his defeats and humiliation, he also recognizes Goku's power. This recognition manifests in several ways:
- Acknowledgement of Strength: Frieza has directly acknowledged Goku's power on numerous occasions. Even on Namek, he noted Goku's potential and offered him a position in his force, demonstrating an awareness of his abilities.
- Desire to Surpass: Frieza's relentless training and pursuit of power are largely driven by his desire to surpass Goku. This implies that he sees Goku as a significant benchmark and a worthy rival, albeit one he despises.
- Indirect Assistance: In desperate situations, Frieza has even reluctantly assisted Goku, such as giving him energy to defeat Jiren in the Tournament of Power. This, while perhaps motivated by self-preservation, indicates a degree of respect for Goku's ability to protect the universe (and Frieza himself).
It's important to emphasize that Frieza's "respect" is far from admiration. It's a grudging acknowledgement of Goku's power intertwined with intense hatred, a desire for revenge, and a need to prove his own superiority. He respects Goku only in the sense that he recognizes him as a significant obstacle and a powerful adversary.
