NEW DELHI: Thanking Rafael Nadal for his contributions to tennis and the legacy he is leaving behind, an emotional Novak Djokovic expressed gratitude to the player as the two legendary rivals squared off for the last time on Saturday at the Six Kings Slam exhibition event in Saudi Arabia before the Spaniard ends his incredible career.
“It’s been an incredible honour and an incredible pleasure to share the court with you.It’s been quite an emotional moment today, we’ve been playing a lot of games over so many years,” the 24-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic said.
“The rivalry has been incredible and very intense, so I hope that we’ll have a chance to maybe sit in the beach somewhere have a little drink, reflecting on life, talking about something else.
“Thank you for what you have done, you leave an incredible legacy and we really appreciate it.”
Nadal also complimented Djokovic for pushing him to the limit.
Nadal, who will retire after the Davis Cup Finals next month, lost to Djokovic 6-2 7-6(5) in the third-place match.
“Thank you Novak for everything for all the moments we shared on court during our careers. It’s been an amazing rivalry,” said Nadal, whose men’s record of winning 22 Grand Slam titles was broken by Djokovic.
“In a personal way, you helped me go over my limits during almost 15 years. Without that, I wouldn’t be the player I am today. Congratulations for all the titles and amazing career to you and your team. I wish you all the best of luck for the future,” he added
In 60 matches against each other, the most in men’s tennis, the Spaniard triumphed 29 times to the Serb’s 31.
Nadal will compete for Spain in the Davis Cup Final 8 at Malaga, Spain, from November 19-24.
