Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic shared a warm embrace at the net after doing battle for the final time in their illustrious rivalry on Saturday night. Djokovic cruised to a straight-sets victory to secure third place at the inaugural Six Kings Slam – certainly quicker than the Riyadh crowd would’ve liked.
Nadal’s professional singles tennis career is now over after definitive defeats to Carlos Alcaraz and Djokovic in Saudi Arabia.
But the Spaniard will pocket at least a staggering £1.2million for competing at the event as he prepares to bid his final farewell at next month’s Davis Cup Finals.
Nadal received appreciative applause as he took to the court for his singles swansong, donning a navy blue polo shirt and shorts with a light blue headband and wristbands.
His opponent, Djokovic, showcased a red top and purple shorts on top of some noticeable strapping on his upper right light.
That didn’t stop the Serb from earning bragging rights in the pair’s final meeting, though, as he triumphed 6-2 7-6 against his long-time foe.
Nadal’s only competitive victory on the day came in the toss, earning the right to serve first and the opportunity to set the tone.
But a 30-0 lead soon became a brutal reminder that Djokovic is still among the finest on the ATP Tour. An early break was followed by a hold for a two-game advantage.
The iconic pair traded holds to take it to 3-2 Djokovic before the 2024 Olympic champion clicked into gear and claimed three consecutive games for the opening set.
Nadal looked nervous. That was according to his coach, Carlos Moya, anyway. He told Sky Sports: “Slow start for Rafa today, and he will play better in the second set. Nervous, given it’s his final match.
“He could be and probably is against his biggest enemy/rival on court. So probably a lot of emotions and normal for him to be nervous. Let’s try to enjoy now.”
Moya was correct. A more competitive second set appeared destined to end in a 6-4 victory for Djokovic, only for a characteristic late flurry from the 38-year-old.
The Riyadh crowd huddled into The Venue for the historic occasion were treated to ferocious shots and fist pumps galore as Nadal turned a 5-4 deficit into a 6-5 lead.
But, as is often the case, Djokovic’s class prevailed. A hold to love forced a tiebreak, which the 24-time Grand Slam winner took 7-5.
Jannik Sinner will face Alcaraz in Saturday’s final, with an eye-watering £4.6m in prize money on the table for the winner of one of tennis’ latest great rivalries.
Djokovic and Nadal’s last dance was the unspoken main event of the day, though, as the final chapter in a memorable sporting story.
