By Novak Djokovic emerged victorious in his final professional encounter with longtime rival Rafael Nadal, winning 6-2 7-6 (7-5) in the third-place match of the Six Kings Slam exhibition event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This match marks the end of one of tennis’s greatest rivalries, as Nadal, 38, prepares to retire at the end of the season.
The emotional significance of the moment was palpable as the two champions shared a warm embrace at the net following the match. Nadal was presented with a golden tennis racquet during a post-match ceremony, symbolizing his immense contributions to the sport.
Reflecting on their storied rivalry, Nadal expressed gratitude towards Djokovic, stating, “Thank you very much for all of the moments we shared on court during all of our careers – we have had an amazing rivalry. You helped me to go over my limits so thank you for that, because without that, I would probably not be the player that I am today.”
Nadal, who has won a record 14 French Open titles and 22 Grand Slams overall, will make his final appearance representing Spain at next month’s Davis Cup Finals in Malaga. The Spaniard shared his bittersweet feelings about retirement, saying, “What I will miss is almost everything. It has been a dream come true to have been able to play for almost 20 years, being competitive and having the chance to play at the best places in the world.”
Djokovic, holder of 24 Grand Slam titles and the only male player to surpass Nadal’s tally, paid tribute to his rival’s legacy. “I have the utmost respect for you – an incredible athlete and an incredible person,” Djokovic said. “The rivalry has been incredible, it has been very intense, so I hope we will have a chance to sit on the beach somewhere and have a drink reflecting on life and talking about something else.”
The Serbian champion also acknowledged the emotional weight of the moment, thanking Nadal on behalf of the tennis world for his contributions to the sport and the incredible legacy he leaves behind.
In the tournament’s final, world number one Jannik Sinner defeated Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz 6-7 (5-7) 6-3 6-3, claiming the first prize of $6 million. This result showcases the emerging talent in tennis as the era of Nadal and Djokovic’s dominance draws to a close.
As Nadal prepares for retirement, this final professional match against Djokovic serves as a poignant reminder of their enduring impact on tennis and the mutual respect that defined their rivalry. Their combined achievements have set a benchmark for excellence in the sport that will inspire generations of players to come.
