“Incredible athlete, incredible person,” ‘Emotional’ Novak Djokovic showers Rafael Nadal with praise after final career meeting at Six Kings Slam
Novak Djokovic congratulated Rafael Nadal on an incredible career following their clash at the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal (via Imago)
Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have one of the most storied rivalries in the history of tennis. They faced each other 60 times on the ATP Tour, including in all four Grand Slam finals. The pair have met at least once every year from 2006 to 2024, barring 2023.
The latest, and the final chapter of their incredible rivalry came at the Six Kings Slam on Saturday (October 19). Djokovic and Nadal fought hard, with the former winning 6-2, 7-6(5) in the third-place play-off match.
After the match, Djokovic congratulated Nadal on an incredible career. He recalled their first career meeting and marveled at how they were still facing each other almost two decades later. The Serbian stated that he was honored to have had such a magnificent rivalry with the Spaniard.
Rafa, I don’t know where to start. I’ll go back to the first match we played in 2005 I think it was. Who would know we would be standing here 20 years later more than 60 times we faced each other. I have the utmost respect for you. Incredible athlete. Incredible person.
Novak Djokovic said in his on-court interview
The two first met in the quarterfinals of the 2006 French Open. Defending champion Nadal did well to take a 6-4, 6-4 lead in the contest when Djokovic was forced to retire due to a back and thigh injury.
An amazing, amazing career. It’s difficult. I could speak all night. I think Rafa should speak instead of me. It’s been an incredible honor as I told you at the net. Incredible pleasure to share the court with you. It’s an emotional moment.
Novak Djokovic added
Djokovic and Nadal have met 60 times on the men’s tour, with the former leading 31–29 in the head-to-head. They have met 18 times at Grand Slams, with Nadal leading 11–7, including 5–4 in major finals.
Novak Djokovic congratulates Rafael Nadal’s family ahead of Spanaird’s retirement
Earlier this month, Rafael Nadal announced his decision to hang up his racket. He attributed his decision to his injury troubles and stated that he will walk into the sunset after the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga next month.
After possibly their final career meeting on a tennis court, Novak Djokovic not only congratulated Nadal on a hugely successful career but also had some kind words for the Spaniard’s family and team. He acknowledged that a tennis player’s success depends hugely on the kind of support system he or she has.
I’d like to congratulate all your team and family on the amazing career Rafa had. It’s also your success. I know how much sacrifice the family has to put for a professional tennis player. I can only imagine the highs and lows you went through with him. You deserve this success as much as he does. Congratulations.
Novak Djokovic expressed
Spain sealed its spot in the knockout stage of the 2024 Davis Cup by beating France and the Czech Republic. It has since been announced that Nadal will be joined in the Spanish squad by Carlos Alcaraz, Roberto Bautista Agut, Pablo Carreno Busta, and Marcel Granollers in Malaga.
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Anirudh Velamuri
(58 Articles Published)