Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have played in some epic matches over the years.
There was the 2012 Australian Open final, in which Djokovic needed almost six hours to defeat Nadal in five mind-blowing sets. And of course the French Open semifinals the following year, where Nadal held off a comeback-minded Djokovic for a dramatic five-set victory in what some consider one of the best clay matches of all time.
And lest we forget the 2014 final at Roland Garros, or the 2018 semifinals at Wimbledon. The pair recorded 60 official head-to-head showdowns, so the list truly goes on and on.
On Saturday, the legends met again for one last time in a match that won’t end up on a “Best of” list, but was one of the more emotional encounters between the two. With Nadal retiring from tennis next month following the Davis Cup, the two played a third-place match — yes, times have changed — at the “Six Kings Slam” exhibition in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Nadal and Djokovic had secured byes into the semifinals of the six-player event and, because they both lost their respective matches against Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, both made it to the consolation match. While it didn’t officially count as their 61st meeting, it still served as a fond farewell to one of the greatest rivalries the sport has ever known.
Much like at their last meeting during the Olympics in Paris this summer, Djokovic took control early before Nadal raised his level in the second set. But, also like in Paris, Djokovic ultimately found a way to win and closed out the 6-2, 7-6 (5) match in 90 minutes. However, unlike at the Games, the result really wasn’t what mattered on Saturday. Instead, it was the clear admiration between the two at the net and after that will be most remembered.
After exchanging a warm hug, Djokovic was candid about his feelings for his longtime foe when speaking to the crowd.
“I go back to the very first match we played and who would [have known] we would be standing here almost 20 years later, playing 60 times,” Djokovic said. “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 somewhere, have a drink and reflect.
“I know how much sacrifice [Nadal has made]. It is an emotional day, so don’t leave tennis, man! Stay with us. You have left an amazing legacy.”
“Don’t leave tennis, man.” 🫶🥹
Djokovic shares some kind words for Nadal and…
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