Novak Djokovic claimed bragging rights over long-time rival Rafael Nadal by successful their final head-to-head singles conflict on the Six Kings Slam exhibition occasion in Saudi Arabia.
Nadal introduced earlier this month that he’ll retire from tennis after representing Spain in Malaga in November, with the 38-year-old reserving one other assembly with Djokovic after shedding to compatriot Carlos Alcaraz within the semi-finals.
The 2 all-time greats have gained a mixed 46 Grand Slam titles throughout a prolonged rivalry, with Djokovic popping out on prime of their final tight tussle to say a straight-sets victory and end the occasion in third place.
Nadal was damaged twice within the opening set however battled again valiantly within the second, surviving a match level and forcing a tie-break earlier than Djokovic closed out a 6-2 7-6 (7-5) victory.
How Djokovic got here by means of final Nadal contest
Nadal misplaced the opening service sport and shortly fell behind to Djokovic, who recovered from being 15-30 down to carry within the subsequent however squandered a break level to maneuver right into a 4-1 benefit.
Djokovic made amends to take the sixth sport and convert a double-break benefit within the subsequent to maneuver additional forward of Nadal, enjoying in simply his second singles match for the reason that Paris Olympics, earlier than holding serve to wrap up the opening set.
The Serb broke Nadal early within the second however confronted a a lot more durable check from the retiring Spaniard, who instantly broke again after which held serve to maneuver 2-1 forward.
A tighter set noticed Djokovic come by means of two break factors to say the sixth sport and Nadal survive a number of break factors of his personal to carry within the subsequent and transfer 4-3 forward, with Nadal battling to attempt to take the competition to a remaining set.
Djokovic got here by means of a good service sport after which broke to like within the subsequent to serve for the match, the place Nadal produced a shocking forehand winner to outlive a match level on his method to breaking again.
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Nadal survives match level after which breaks to arrange a tie-break within the second set in opposition to long-time rival Djokovic
The pair exchanged holds of serve to take the set to a tie-break, the place Djokovic prevailed to say victory – in 61 minutes – earlier than embracing his long-time rival on the internet forward of a particular on-court presentation to mark Nadal’s profession.
Djokovic: Nadal leaves behind superb legacy
“I don’t know where to start with Rafa,” Djokovic stated after his victory. “An incredible profession. I may converse all night time. It has been an honour to share the court docket with you.
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Djokovic pays respect to his rival Nadal after their remaining singles assembly earlier than the Spaniard retires from the game
“I go back to the very first match we played and who would know we would be standing here almost 20 years later, playing 60 times. I have the utmost respect for you. Incredible athlete, incredible person.
“The rivalry has been unbelievable, very intense, so I hope we could have the possibility to sit down on the bench someplace, have a drink and mirror. I understand how a lot sacrifice [there has been]. It’s an emotional day, so do not depart tennis, man! Stick with us! You’ve gotten left an incredible legacy.”
Reflecting on his rivalry with Djokovic and his own career, Nadal said: “Novak, you helped me go over my limits for 15 years. I’ll in all probability not be the participant I’m [without you]. I want you the most effective of luck for the longer term.
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Nadal displays on his legendary profession after enjoying his remaining singles match in opposition to Djokovic
“It has been a dream come true to be able to play for almost 20 years being competitive, having the chance to play in the best places in the world, which I watched on TV as a kid.
“I can not thank sufficient the help and love I’ve acquired throughout. There was an incredible journey each single event through the years. I really feel very lucky to be a tennis participant.”
What’s arising on Sky Sports activities Tennis in October?
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Discover out all of the methods to look at tennis on Sky Sports activities, together with the ATP and WTA excursions
- Erste Financial institution Open, Vienna – ATP 500 (October 21-27)
- Swiss Indoors, Basel – ATP 500 (October 21-27)
- Guangzhou Open, China – WTA 250 (October 21-27)
- Toray Pan Pacific Open Tennis, Tokyo – WTA 500 (October 21-27)
Sky Sports activities+ has formally launched and can be built-in into Sky TV, streaming service NOW and the Sky Sports activities app, giving Sky Sports activities prospects entry to over 50 per cent extra stay sport this yr at no additional value. Discover out extra right here.
