Novak Djokovic writes heartfelt message for Rafael Nadal as their 18-year-old rivalry comes to end in Riyadh
Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal took on each other for the one last time in Riyadh, with latter set to retire next month.
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Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal after their Six Kings Slam match (Image via X)
Tennis legends Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal faced each other for one last time in Riyadh on Saturday (October 19). The two veterans locked horns in the third-place match at the Six Kings Slam and the Serbian managed to topple his arch-rival for one last time.
Nadal and Djokovic shared a warm hug at the net and also heaped praise on each other in their post-match interviews. While Nadal thanked Djokovic for helping him go over his limits, the Serbian hailed his rival as an incredible person.
Djokovic said that it was an honor for him to share the court with the Spaniard. After the ceremony was done, the 24-time Grand Slam champion took to social media to express his feelings about their last dance.
Djokovic said that he will cherish his rivalry with the 22-time Grand Slam champion. The former World No. 1 also bid adieu to Riyadh and promised to return soon.
The last dance was an epic one. And of course emotional. I’ll cherish our rivalry forever, @rafaelnadal. Tennis will miss you. As-salamu alaykum, Riyadh. #SixKingsSlam is a special tournament. See you soon.
Novak Djokovic posted on X
The last dance was an epic one. And of course emotional. I’ll cherish our rivalry forever, @rafaelnadal ?. Tennis will miss you.
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) October 19, 2024
As-salamu alaykum, Riyadh. #SixKingsSlam is a special tournament. See you soon ?? pic.twitter.com/CnBswzZnLy
Djokovic defeated Nadal in straight sets to finish third in the inaugural edition of the exhibition event in Riyadh. Meanwhile, Jannik Sinner clinched the title with Carlos Alcaraz finishing second.
Novak Djokovic does not want Rafael Nadal to leave tennis
As Rafael Nadal is set to hang up his racket after he is done representing Spain in the Davis Cup Finals next month, Novak Djokovic requested that the Spaniard not leave tennis. During the post-match interview, the Serbian humbly asked Nadal to reconsider his decision to hang up his racket.
Djokovic then went on to laud the 38-year-old for his achievements and looked back at their rivalry. Djokovic also hoped to sit on the beach with Nadal one day and reflect on the moments they shared on the tennis court.
The rivalry has been incredible and very intense, so I hope that we’ll have a chance to maybe sit in the beach somewhere have a little drink, reflecting on life, talking about something else. Thank you for what you have done, you leave an incredible legacy and we really appreciate it.
Novak Djokovic said
Nadal and Djokovic played a total of 60 matches against each other, and the latter managed to win 31 of them. However, Nadal was far ahead in the initial phase, leading 16-4 after their first 20 matches. Djokovic caught up and eventually took the lead.
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Ritesh Pathak
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