Djokovic and Nadal had faced each other 60 times on the ATP Tour before the Oct 19 exhibition match.
Serbia's Novak Djokovic and Spain's Rafael Nadal posing after their third-place match at the Six Kings Slam exhibition tournament in Saudi Arabia, which the Serb won 6-2, 7-6 on Oct 19.
He added that their battles over the years had been “very intense” and told Nadal he hoped they could one day “sit on a beach somewhere” and have a drink. Their last encounter came during the Paris Olympics on the same Roland Garros courts where Nadal won 14 French Open titles, though Djokovic triumphed easily 6-1, 6-4.The match in Riyadh was mostly one-sided, with Nadal spraying errors and Djokovic wrapping up the first set in just 31 minutes.
It was “a very emotional day, special day” because it was the “last time I play my biggest rival, Nadal,” he added. “In a personal way, you helped me go over my limits during almost 15 years. Without that, I wouldn’t be the player I am today. Congratulations for all the titles and amazing career,” Nadal added.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
'Don't leave tennis', Djokovic tells Nadal after Saudi showdownDjokovic and Nadal had faced each other 60 times on the main tour prior to Oct 19’s exhibition match.
Read more »
Nadal to battle Djokovic one last time at Saudi exhibitionRafa Nadal will have one last chance to face old rival Novak Djokovic before the Spaniard calls time on his illustrious career with the pair set to meet at the Six Kings Slam exhibition event in Saudi Arabia.
Read more »
Global News Roundup: From Australia's Marine Park Expansion to Djokovic's Tennis TriumphThis roundup brings you diverse stories from around the globe, covering Australia's marine park expansion, Novak Djokovic's tennis victory, drought-stricken Brazil, ongoing conflict in Israel, and Hurricane Milton's impact on Mexico.
Read more »
Nadal's place in tennis history etched in clayLONDON : When a teenaged Rafa Nadal bounced in to Roland Garros in pirate pants and sleeveless shirt in May 2005 before scything through the draw, few realised it marked the start of an unprecedented era of sporting domination.
Read more »
Worn-down Rafael Nadal to draw curtain on stellar career'It has been some difficult years, these last two especially,' says the 38-year-old.
Read more »
Retiring Nadal remains an inspiring role model and humble idol for fellow prosAs Rafa Nadal prepares to ride off into the sunset after a stellar career, his fellow professionals from eras old and new agree on one thing - the Spaniard remains an inspirational role model whose legacy has shaped tennis over the last 23 years.
Read more »