Djokovic hails “incredible rivalry” with Nadal after beating Spaniard in Saudi exhibition

Novak Djokovic put sentiment on hold at the Six Kings Slam on Saturday as he beat Rafael Nadal in what may prove to be the last singles match before the Spaniard retires from the sport next month.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion got the better of the 22-time Grand Slam winner 6-2, 7-6 (5), seeing him off in straight sets, just as he did at the Olympics earlier this summer.

“Have been a dream come true to have been able to play for almost 20 years of a career being competitive and playing in the best places in the world,” Nadal said. “At the end I realised my dream, to become a professional tennis player and be a successful one. I really can’t thank enough the support and love I received everywhere,” Nadal said.

Djokovic pays tribute to Nadal

“I go back to the start, when we first played, in 2005. Who would know we’d be standing here almost 20 years later, with 60 times we faced each other on the biggest stages in the sport,” Djokovic said.

“I have the utmost respect for you, incredible athlete, incredible person. The rivalry has been incredible and very intense, so I hope we’ll have the chance to sit on the beach and have a little drink and talk about life, reflecting on something else.

“It’s been an incredible honour, an incredible pleasure to share the court with you. It’s quite an emotional moment, we’ve been playing so many matches over the years. Don’t leave tennis man, stay a little bit more. You left an incredible legacy and mark. We really appreciate it.”

Nadal thanks Djokovic

There were plenty of glimpses of the old Nadal, none more so than when the 38-year-old saved a match point and then broke back as Djokovic served for the match at 5-4 in the second set, hammering forehands up the line for winners.

The set went to a tiebreak and it was nip and tuck before Djokovic finally finished it off when Nadal netted a forehand.

Nadal is set to retire after the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga next month. He could potentially play doubles with Carlos Alcaraz, as he did at the Olympics in Paris. And the Spaniard also returned the nice words to Djokovic.

“To Novak, thank you for everything, including what you said today. We had an amazing rivalry and you helped me to get over my limits for the last 15 years. Without you, I don’t think I would have been the player I am today.”

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