Six Kings Slam: Novak Djokovic says goodbye to Rafael Nadal – Serbian superstar with an emotional speech

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have crossed swords on the biggest stage of tennis 60 times in the past 18 years and fought spectacular duels. The direct balance speaks very thinly for the Serbs at 31:29.

Together with Roger Federer, the so-called Big 3 created historic moments.

After Federer’s retirement in 2022 and Nadal’s announced retirement at the end of November, this time is coming to an end. Reason enough for Djokovic to say goodbye to his long-time rival with emotional words.

“I have the utmost respect for you,” said Djokovic. “You are an incredible athlete, an incredible person,” said the 37-year-old after the match in Riyadh.

According to Djokovic, the rivalry was very draining and “incredibly intense. So I hope that in the future we will sit together on the beach with a drink, reflect on life and talk about something other than tennis,” he joked Record Grand Slam champion.

“It’s hard for me, I could talk here all night long,” Djokovic admitted. “But it was an incredible honor to share the court with you.”

It was also an emotional day for the Serb himself. “We have played so many matches against each other… don’t leave tennis. Stay a little longer, stay with us,” he laughed in the direction of Nadal.

A little later, the Spaniard thanked Djokovic for his touching speech. “I thank Novak for everything, all the moments we shared during our careers. It was an incredible rivalry.”

“Personally, you have helped me push myself beyond my limits for over 15 years,” he continued. “Without you I wouldn’t be the player I am today.”