The final match in Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal's legendary rivalry before the Spaniard's retirement was played at the 2024 Six Kings Slam, and the Serbian gave a touching tribute afterward.
Djokovic and Nadal were responsible for some of the greatest contests in tennis history. During a rivalry that spanned nearly 20 years, both men pushed each other to their limits on numerous occasions.
Some believe the pair's Australian Open 2012 final was not just the best match of Nadal's legendary career but also the best in tennis history. After five hours and 53 minutes, Djokovic won the longest Grand Slam final in history.
Other epic battles between the two included the 2013 French Open semifinal and 2018 Wimbledon semifinal. Both those matches also went to five sets, with Nadal triumphing at the French Open and Djokovic at Wimbledon.
Nadal was the principal reason Djokovic had to wait until 2016 to win the French Open, routinely denying him at the Grand Slam he won an unprecedented 14 times. However, the Serbian did beat his great rival twice at the tournament, the only player to do so.
Several brutal losses to the Spaniard were undoubtedly one reason Djokovic said his rivalry with Nadal impacted him more than any other throughout his career. He also promised to attend his final event, the Davis Cup Finals, next month.
There has been speculation in the past about the pair having a frosty relationship. Those rumors heightened when Nadal stated in an interview ahead of the 2024 season that watching Roger Federer had moved him more than Djokovic.
However, Djokovic's tribute to Nadal after beating him at the Six Kings Slam should end that speculation. He lauded him as an incredible person while reflecting on their rivalry and also praised his team and family.
"Now to Rafa, I don’t know where to start. I’ll go back to the first match we played in 2005 I think it was. Who would know we would be standing here 20 years later more than 60 times we faced each other."
"I have the utmost respect for you. Incredible athlete. Incredible person. I’d like to congratulate all your team and family on the amazing career Rafa had. It’s also your success. I know how much sacrifice the family has to put for a professional tennis player."
Djokovic became visibly emotional when discussing what an honor it had been to share the court with him over the years, clearly finding it difficult to come to terms with the fact his greatest rival was so close to leaving the sport.
"An amazing, amazing career. It’s difficult. I could speak all night. I think Rafa should speak instead of me. It’s been an incredible honor as I told you at the net. Incredible pleasure to share the court with you. It’s an emotional moment."
When Nadal retires from the sport, Djokovic will be the only member of the legendary trio of him, Nadal, and Federer remaining. However, the Serbian has indicated that he plans on continuing for as long as he feels able to challenge for Grand Slams.