Saturday in Saudi Arabia, Novak Djokovic got the upper hand one last time over Rafael Nadal during the Six Kings Slam. Indeed, it was the last clash between the two legends of the yellow ball since the Spaniard is preparing to retire. The end of a historic duel.
End clap for Rafael Nadal. The Spaniard is playing the last matches of his career and he was also present in Saudi Arabia for the Six Kings Slaman exhibition tournament. The opportunity for him to face one last time Novak Djokovic. « I don’t know where to start. I remember our first match… Who knew we would be here 20 years later? I have the greatest respect for you. You are a wonderful athlete and an exceptional person. I hope one day we can have a drink and talk about life, about something other than tennis. I know the sacrifices you have gone through. You deserve all the success you’ve had and this incredible career. I could talk like that all evening, it’s such a special moment. Stay in tennis, stay with us. From tennis in general, thank you for everything you have done », Confided the Serbian after his last success against his great rival, marking the end of an era.
Tennis: Djokovic compares himself to Cristiano Ronaldo! https://t.co/We9ID5WEUS pic.twitter.com/smDGBim7LX
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Nadal-Djokovic: A rivalry for tennis history
In the history of modern tennis, few rivalries can match the intensity, longevity and quality of the clashes between Rafael Nadal et Novak Djokovic. Since their first duel in 2006, the two legends have written some of the most memorable pages of this sport. Their opposition goes beyond simple numbers: it embodies a clash of styles, personalities and a constant quest for records. The first duel between Nadal et Djokovic took place in 2006, during the tournament of Roland-Garros. Nadalthen the undisputed clay court specialist, had dominated the young Serb. But this match already heralded the birth of a legendary rivalry. Djokovic quickly asserted himself as a serious contender by pushing the Spaniard on other surfaces, particularly hard.
Their rivalry is marked by frequent confrontations in tournaments <a href="https://www.archysport.com/2022/01/spain-will-have-seven-seeds-at-the-australian-open/" title="Spain will have seven seeds at the Australian Open“>Grand Slam. The Australian Open, Roland-Garros, Wimbledon or even l’US Open : all were the scene of epic battles between the two men. Their final at the 2012 Australian Openwon by Djokovic in 5h53, remains to this day one of the most memorable matches in history and the longest final in history in Grand Slam. More Nadal was never to be outdone, inflicting several notable defeats on him, notably during their numerous duels at Roland-Garroswhere the Spaniard largely dominates the Serbian. Djokovic is however one of the rare players to have beaten Nadal several times on clay, including in Paris, a feat that very few have achieved.
The last word for Djokovic
With more than 60 confrontations to their credit, Nadal et Djokovic hold the record for the most duels between two players in the era Open. The 61st and final act of this duel will therefore have turned to the advantage of Novak Djokovicwinner 32 times on Nadal who only took the upper hand 29 times.
