Following the conclusion of the 2024 season, which had different moments than he was accustomed to, Novak Djokovic is taking some time off. After pursuing this goal throughout his career, the former world No. 1 is undoubtedly proud to have won the gold medal at the Olympics in Paris, but he did not get the results he was hoping for the remainder of the year.
Djokovic should have been at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga to pay tribute to his everlasting rival Nadal, with whom he created one of the most iconic rivalries in tennis history. This summer, at the Olympics in Paris, they played their final match, which Nole won in two sets.
During an interview with the official ATP website, Djokovic recently mentioned his favourite matchup with Nadal. Djokovic talked about it and said: “We had plenty of great matches. The one that comes to mind right now is the finals of Miami in 2011. I think we went the distance, 7-6 in the third set. It was not the only match that went the distance.”
On December 1st, the 24-time Grand Slam champion will play an exhibition match against Juan Martin del Potro in Buenos Aires. As everyone is aware, Delpo’s injuries forced him to retire from the game earlier than anticipated.
Although he has made every effort to resume playing at a high level, the 2009 US Open champion has received very clear signals from his body. He was persuaded to end a career that could have been even more spectacular by his most recent knee injury.
Novak Djokovic in 2024
Ranked world no.7, the Serbian played his last match on the 13th of October when he lost to world no.1 Jannik Sinner 7-6(4) 6-3 in the final in Shanghai (draw).
At present, during this year Djokovic has a 37-9 win-loss record. Djokovic conquered 1 title in Paris. Novak was the runner-up in Wimbledon and Shanghai.
Rafael Nadal in 2024
Now ranked no.154, the Spaniard played his last match on the 19th of November when he was overcome by world no.80 Botic Van De Zandschulp 6-4 6-4 in the Rubber 1 of the Davis Cup (draw).
Presently, during this year the Spaniard achieved a compiled 12-8 record. Rafael Nadal’s best result of the present year was getting to the final in Bastad.
Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal clashed against each other 60 times. Their current head to head is 31-29 for Djokovic. The last time they competed against each other, Novak Djokovic won 6-1 6-4 in the 2nd round in Paris (Olympics) on the 29th of July 2024.
Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal |
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