On Saturday, Novak Djokovic triumphed over his long-time rival Rafael Nadal in what could be the final chapter of their extraordinary competition. Djokovic pleaded with Nadal to reconsider his plans to retire.
“6 Kings Slam: A Battle to Remember”
“Don’t leave tennis, my friend,” Novak Djokovic said in an on-court interview after defeating Rafael Nadal 6-2, 7-6 (5) at the 6 Kings Slam exhibition match in Saudi Arabia. Djokovic acknowledged the intensity of their battles over the years, saying, “It’s been a fierce rivalry,” and expressed his hope that one day, they could relax together on a beach, enjoying a drink.
Rafael Nadal, 38, announced his decision to retire after the Davis Cup finals in Malaga next month, citing ongoing physical challenges. He remains unsure if his body will allow him to compete in singles during the event.
An Emotional Farewell to a Legendary Rivalry
Saturday’s exhibition might have been Rafael Nadal’s final singles match as a professional. The match was largely one-sided, with Novak Djokovic cruising through the first set in just 31 minutes. However, Rafael Nadal, buoyed by the crowd’s support, fought back in the second set to force a tiebreak, ultimately losing to his rival. Fans even cheered for Novak Djokovic’s rare double fault, showing their admiration for Rafael Nadal.
After the match, Novak Djokovic took to social media, calling their last dance together “spectacular” and acknowledging that tennis would miss Rafael Nadal. Nadal, in return, thanked Djokovic for pushing him to his limits over the years, admitting that their fierce competition had shaped his career.
Novak Djokovic, now a 24-time Grand Slam champion, also shared his emotions at seeing another great rival step away from the game. “It’s sad to watch them go,” Djokovic said, referring to Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Andy Murray’s retirements.
