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Top-of-the-line 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 somewhat than on the primary tour–on the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Djokovic received their third-place match 6-2, 7-6(5).
“Thanks very a lot for all the moments we shared on courtroom throughout all of our careers,” Nadal advised Djokovic throughout on-court interviews. “We now 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 as we speak.”
The 37-year-old Spaniard is, after all, effectively previous his prime as we speak. Nevertheless, he captured 22 Grand Slam titles–together with a document 14 on the French Open.
“The rivalry has been unimaginable,” Djokovic agreed. “It has been very intense, so I hope we may have an opportunity to take a seat on the seashore 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 unimaginable honor and pleasure to share the courtroom with you. It’s an emotional second and an emotional day. We’ve been taking part in so many matches over so a few years.
“I’ll end with one massive thanks from not simply me, however all the tennis world, for what you’ve got completed. You’ve got left an unimaginable legacy.”
Djokovic and Nadal confronted one another an nearly hard-to-believe 60 instances in official competitions, with Djokovic holding a 31-29 edge within the head-to-head sequence.
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 possibly can comply with him on Twitter at @Dimonator.
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