Novak Djokovic claimed bragging rights over long-time rival Rafael Nadal with a win in their final head-to-head singles match at the Six Kings Slam exhibition event in Saudi Arabia.
Nadal announced earlier this month that he would retire from tennis after representing Spain in Malaga in November, with the 38-year-old booking another meeting with Djokovic after losing to compatriot Carlos Alcaraz in the semifinals.
The two all-time greats have won a total of 46 Grand Slam titles during their long rivalry, with Djokovic coming out on top in the final battle to secure back-to-back wins and finish the event in third place.
Nadal and Djokovic have played at least 60 matches during their long careers.
Nadal was broken twice in the opening set but fought back bravely in the second, surviving match point and forcing a tiebreak before Djokovic won 6-2, 7-6 (7-5).
How Djokovic got past Nadal last year
Nadal lost his opening service game and quickly fell behind Djokovic. Djokovic maintained the next game after falling behind 15-30, but wasted a break point to take a 4-1 lead.
Djokovic made amends by taking the sixth game and converting his double break advantage in the next game to move further ahead of Nadal. Playing in her second singles match since the Paris Olympics, she held serve to close out the opening set.
The Serb broke Nadal early in the second but faced a much tougher test from the retired Spaniard, who immediately countered and then blocked his serve to take a 2-1 lead.
In a tighter set, Djokovic survived two break points to take the sixth game and Nadal survived several break points of his own to take the next game and take a 4-3 lead, with Nadal struggling to advance to the final set.
Djokovic broke at love to serve in the next game after a tight service game, and Nadal produced a stunning forehand winner to survive match point en route to a counterattack.
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Nadal makes a break to set up a tie-break in the second set against long-time rival Djokovic after surviving a match point.
The pair traded serves to take the set to a tiebreak, with Djokovic winning in 61 minutes, with Djokovic embracing his old rival at the net ahead of a special on-court presentation commemorating Nadal’s career.
Djokovic: Nadal leaves an incredible legacy
“I don’t know where to start with Rafa,” Djokovic said after his win. “It’s been an incredible career. I could have spoken all night long. It’s been an honor to share the court with you.
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Djokovic pays tribute to rival Nadal after the Spaniard’s final singles meeting before his retirement.
“Let’s go back to the first game we played. Who knew we’d be standing here almost 20 years later and playing 60 games? I have so much respect for you. Unbelievable athlete, unbelievable person.
“The competition was unbelievably fierce, very intense, so I wish I had a chance to sit on a bench somewhere and have a drink and reflect. I know how much sacrifice has been made. It’s an emotional day, so don’t do that.” Don’t leave tennis! “You leave an incredible legacy.”
Looking back on his rivalry with Djokovic and his own career, Nadal said: “Novak, you have helped me push my limits for 15 years. I probably wouldn’t be the player I am today (without you). I wish you the best of luck.” future.
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Nadal looks back on his legendary career after playing his final singles match against Djokovic.
“It’s a dream come true to get the opportunity to play in the best venues in the world that I saw on TV as a kid and to be able to play competitively for almost 20 years.
“I can’t thank you enough for the support and love I’ve received. Each tournament over the years has been an incredible journey. I feel lucky to be a tennis player.”
What will happen to Sky Sports Tennis in October?
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Discover all the ways to watch tennis on Sky Sports, including the ATP and WTA tours.
- Erste Bank Open, Vienna – ATP 500 (21-27 October)
- Swiss Indoor, Basel – ATP 500 (October 21-27)
- Guangzhou Open, China – WTA 250 (October 21-27)
- Toray Pan Pacific Open Tennis, Tokyo – WTA 500 (October 21-27)
Sky Sports+ has officially launched and will be integrated into Sky TV, streaming service NOW and the Sky Sports app. This will give Sky Sports customers access to over 50% more live sport at no extra cost this year. Find out more here.
