Novak Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, paid a touching tribute to his long-time rival and friend Rafael Nadal during the Six Kings Slam exhibition event in Saudi Arabia. In what marked their final match on the court, Djokovic reflected on the intense rivalry and profound friendship that had defined their tennis careers.
In an emotional speech following his 6-2, 7-6(5) victory over Nadal in the third-place match, Djokovic expressed deep admiration for the Spanish legend. “It’s been an incredible honor and an incredible pleasure to share the court with you,” Djokovic said. “We’ve played many games over the years, and today’s been quite emotional.”
The Djokovic-Nadal rivalry is one of the most storied in tennis history, spanning nearly two decades. Despite the fierce battles they shared, Djokovic emphasized the mutual respect they developed off the court. “The rivalry has been incredible and very intense,” Djokovic acknowledged, “but I hope that one day, we’ll have a chance to sit on a beach, enjoy a drink, and reflect on life.”
Nadal, who will retire after the upcoming Davis Cup Finals, leaves behind an extraordinary legacy, having won 22 Grand Slam titles. Djokovic recognized Nadal’s immense impact on the sport, stating, “You leave an incredible legacy, and we all appreciate everything you’ve done.”
The match in Saudi Arabia was the final chapter of their illustrious on-court rivalry, but Djokovic’s tribute was a heartfelt reminder that their bond extends far beyond the court.
Novak Djokovic in 2024
LWWWWWWLWW Ranked no.4, Djokovic played his last encounter on the 13th of October when he was overcome by world no.1 Jannik Sinner 7-6(4) 6-3 in the final in Shanghai (draw).
This season Djokovic has a compiled 37-9 match record. This year, Djokovic won 1 tournament in Paris. Novak was the runner-up in Wimbledon and Shanghai.
Djokovic is scheduled to compete next in Paris (Rolex Paris Masters). He will start from the main draw that will commence on the 28th of October.
Rafael Nadal in 2024
Currently ranked no.153, Nadal played his last match on the 29th of July when he was defeated by world no.4 Novak Djokovic 6-1 6-4 in the 2nd round in Paris (draw).
Presently, during this year Rafael has an overall 12-7 record. Rafael Nadal’s most significant performance of the present season was getting to the final in Bastad.
Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal clashed against each other 60 times. Their actual head to head record is 31-29 for Djokovic. The last time they played, Novak Djokovic won 6-1 6-4 in the 2nd round in Paris (Olympics) on the 29th of July 2024.
Novak Djokovic in 2024
LWWWWWWLWW Now ranked no.4, Novak played his last encounter on the 13th of October when he capitulated to world no.1 Jannik Sinner 7-6(4) 6-3 in the final in Shanghai (draw).
Currently, during this season the Serbian owns a 37-9 win-loss record. This year, the Serbian clinched 1 title in Paris. Novak was the finalist in Wimbledon and Shanghai.
Djokovic has scheduled to play next in Paris (Rolex Paris Masters). He will start from the main draw that will commence on the 28th of October.
Rafael Nadal in 2024
Now the world no.153, the Spaniard played his last match on the 29th of July when he lost to world no.4 Novak Djokovic 6-1 6-4 in the 2nd round in Paris (draw).
At the moment, during this season the Spaniard achieved an overall 12-7 win-loss record. Rafael Nadal’s best result of the present year was reaching the final in Bastad.
Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal faced off 60 times. Their record is 31-29 for Djokovic. Previously, the last time they squared off, Novak Djokovic won 6-1 6-4 in the 2nd round in Paris (Olympics) on the 29th of July 2024.
