Novak Djokovic defeats Rafael Nadal in straight sets at Six Kings Slam in one last faceoff
Novak Djokovic defeated Rafael Nadal 6-2, 7-6(5) in what could potentially be their final meeting on the court.
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Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal (Images via X)
In their potentially last-ever faceoff on the tennis court, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic ensured complete entertainment for the fans. Although the Serbian won the third-place match at the Six Kings Slam in straight sets, Nadal did not give up easily as he forced a tiebreak in the second set.
After conceding the first set 2-6, the Spaniard fought till the end, losing the tiebreaker 5-7. Knowing that this might be the last time the two rivals lock horns on the tennis court, both Nadal and Djokovic kept the intensity high.
The Serbian, in particular, asserted his dominance as he raced to a 2-0 lead in the first set. However, Nadal fought back to win the third game. The 22-time Grand Slam champion was trying hard to match his nemesis but Djokovic kept on building on the initial lead.
The former World No.1 won the fourth game and despite Nadal taking the next one, the Serbian won three on the trot to close the first set 6-2 The second set, however, was what the fans came to see. Nadal and Djokovic engaged in intense volleys and won alternate games to keep everyone on the edge of their seats.
The Spaniard took two games back-to-back after conceding the first one. Nadal then won the fifth, seventh, and tenth games with Djokovic matching him in the very next one. The 14-time French Open champion then took a lead but his opponent won the 12th game to force a tiebreak.
Djokovic was trailing for a brief but the Serbian quickly got his act together and won two consecutive points to seal the match.
Novak Djokovic relishes rivalry with Rafael Nadal
Despite challenging each other throughout their careers, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal share a great bond and it reflected in the Serbian’s post-match interview where he spoke highly of his soon-to-be-retired rival. Djokovic relished their long-standing rivalry and hoped that they would sit on a bench one day and look back on it.
I don’t know where to start with Rafa. I go back to the very first match we played and who would know we would be standing here almost 20 years later, playing 60 times. I have the utmost respect for you. Incredible athlete, incredible person. The rivalry has been incredible, very intense, so I hope we will have the chance to sit on the bench, have a drink and reflect.
Novak Djokovic said in his post-match interview. (H/T: Eurosport)
The two legends also shared a long hug at the net after the match. After Nadal erred on match point to cede Djokovic the match, they shared a smile as they embraced each other and even exchanged a few words before going ahead with the formalities.
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Ritesh Pathak
(2150 Articles Published)