Among the finest rivalries in tennis historical past wrote its remaining chapter on Saturday.
Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal squared off for the final time–this one in an exhibition slightly than on the primary tour–on the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Djokovic gained their third-place match 6-2, 7-6(5).
“Thanks very a lot for the entire moments we shared on courtroom throughout all of our careers,” Nadal instructed Djokovic throughout on-court interviews. “Now we have had an incredible rivalry. You helped me to go over my limits, so thanks for that–as a result of with out that, I’d most likely not be the participant that I’m right now.”
The 37-year-old Spaniard is, in fact, properly previous his prime right now. Nonetheless, he captured 22 Grand Slam titles–together with a report 14 on the French Open.
“The rivalry has been unbelievable,” Djokovic agreed. “It has been very intense, so I hope we can have an opportunity to sit down on the seaside someplace and have a drink reflecting on life and speaking about one thing else,” Djokovic mentioned throughout his on-court interview. “It’s been an unbelievable honor and pleasure to share the courtroom with you. It’s an emotional second and an emotional day. We’ve been enjoying so many matches over so a few years.
“I’ll end with one huge thanks from not simply me, however the entire tennis world, for what you’ve accomplished. You’ve left an unbelievable legacy.”
Djokovic and Nadal confronted one another an nearly hard-to-believe 60 occasions in official competitions, with Djokovic holding a 31-29 edge within the head-to-head collection.
Nadal will wrap up his profession on the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga subsequent month.
Ricky contributes to 10sballs.com and in addition maintains his personal tennis web site, The Grandstand. You’ll be able to comply with him on Twitter at @Dimonator.
