The Serbian Novak Djokovic beat Rafael Nadal 6-2 and 7-6 (7-5) to take third place in the luxurious exhibition called Six Kings Slam and took the opportunity to say goodbye to his staunch rival with a heartfelt speech in which he He asked not to retire.
“It has been a real honor. We have experienced many matches for many years, many times. Don’t retire, stay a little longer,” said Djokovic in the center of the court before a visibly excited Nadal. You leave an incredible legacy. Thank you very much for everything you have given and that you leave in the world of tennis,” said the Serbian, who had always said that he would not be able to really be a friend of Nadal due to the rivalry that existed on the courts.
“Rafa, I don’t know where to start. I go back to our first match, in 2005. Who was going to tell us that we would be twenty years later with sixty matches. This rivalry has been incredible, very intense,” he added. “I hope we can sit somewhere, someday, on the beach and have a drink and talk about life and other things,” Djokovic concluded.
A while later, Nadal returned the praise. “Thank you Novak for all the moments we have shared on the court. You have been a spectacular rival who helped me overcome my limits for fifteen years. Thank you because without that I would not have been the player I am now,” responded the Spaniard, who announced that the Davis Cup to be played in November will mark his last tournament as a professional
