RIYADH: Novak Djokovic triumphed over Rafael Nadal in their historic final meeting at the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh, winning 6-2, 7-6 (7-5) to claim third place in the exhibition tournament.
While the result was decisive, the match was more than just about victory—it marked the emotional end of one of the greatest rivalries in tennis history, spanning nearly two decades.
Nadal, who has announced his retirement following the Davis Cup Finals later this year, stepped onto the court to face Djokovic for the last time, drawing cheers from a packed stadium.
Their rivalry, which has defined men’s tennis for a generation, saw the two meet 61 times over the years, with Djokovic narrowly leading their head-to-head 32-29. For the fans in Riyadh, this match wasn’t just about third place—it was about watching two icons perform together one final time.
Djokovic, now with 24 Grand Slam titles, started strong, breaking Nadal’s serve early in the first set and maintaining control to secure it 6-2.
Despite his advancing age and recent injuries, Nadal pushed back in the second set, engaging Djokovic in a series of intense rallies that exemplified the skill, endurance, and respect that have defined their rivalry.
After the match, Djokovic reflected on the significance of their final encounter in comments made to Arab News. “He remains the greatest rival that I ever had,” Djokovic said.
He went on to explain that Nadal's fighting spirit remained as fierce as ever, adding, “Only he and his family and team know what he had to endure, to show still this competitive spirit. It’s inspiring, not only to players but also to fans.”
The second set was a fitting finale to their legendary encounters, nearly a metaphor for the relentless pursuit of greatness that has driven both players throughout their careers.
It saw the two tennis giants battling to a 6-6 tie, leading to a nail-biting tiebreaker. As the crowd stood on their feet, cheering for Nadal to extend the match to a third set, Djokovic ultimately held his nerve to win the tiebreak 7-5, sealing his victory and closing the chapter on their storied rivalry.
Djokovic offered deeper insight into their second set, which he reiterated perfectly encapsulated their rivalry. “He broke my serve at 5-4, and then at 5-5 he made an incredible forehand winner,” Djokovic recounted, praising Nadal’s skill and determination. “The last four points were a great description of our rivalry,” he said, reflecting on how their competitive edge always pushed them to the limit.
Though Nadal showed visible frustration at his inability to secure the set, the match was a testament to what made this rivalry so special: two players of unparalleled ability, pushing each other to new heights time and time again.
Djokovic expressed his mixed emotions at seeing Nadal, and other greats of his era, move toward retirement. “It’s tough to see them go,” Djokovic said, noting that Roger Federer and Andy Murray had already stepped back. “All my career, I’ve played with them. It’s a very strange feeling to see them go and retire from tennis, and I’m still there.”
Despite the sadness of the moment, Djokovic acknowledged that it’s part of the natural cycle in sports: “It is what it is. It’s evolution, a cycle of life. New generations are coming up, and I’m excited to see what’s next for me.”
This final dance in Riyadh may have marked the end of an era, but for fans, it was a reminder of the skill and determination that both Djokovic and Nadal have brought to the sport over the past two decades.
As Nadal moves toward retirement, his legacy remains unquestioned, having inspired an entire generation of players, including Djokovic himself.
This match in Riyadh will be remembered as a fitting end to one of the most iconic rivalries tennis has ever seen.
