NEW DELHI: Thanking Rafael Nadal for his contributions to tennis and the legacy he’s forsaking, an emotional Novak Djokovic expressed gratitude to the participant as the 2 legendary rivals squared off for the final time on Saturday on the Six Kings Slam exhibition occasion in Saudi Arabia earlier than the Spaniard ends his unimaginable profession.
“It has been an unimaginable honour and an unimaginable pleasure to share the courtroom with you.It has been fairly an emotional second right this moment, we have been enjoying a variety of video games over so a few years,” the 24-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic stated.
“The rivalry has been unimaginable and really intense, so I hope that we’ll have an opportunity to perhaps sit within the seashore someplace have a bit of drink, reflecting on life, speaking about one thing else.
“Thanks for what you might have accomplished, you permit an unimaginable legacy and we actually respect it.”
Nadal additionally complimented Djokovic for pushing him to the restrict.
Nadal, who will retire after the Davis Cup Finals subsequent month, misplaced to Djokovic 6-2 7-6(5) within the third-place match.
“Thanks Novak for all the pieces for all of the moments we shared on courtroom throughout our careers. It has been a tremendous rivalry,” stated Nadal, whose males’s document of successful 22 Grand Slam titles was damaged by Djokovic.
“In a private method, you helped me go over my limits throughout nearly 15 years. With out that, I would not be the participant I’m right this moment. Congratulations for all of the titles and wonderful profession to you and your crew. I want you all the very best of luck for the longer term,” he added
In 60 matches towards one another, probably the most in males’s tennis, the Spaniard triumphed 29 occasions to the Serb’s 31.
Nadal will compete for Spain within the Davis Cup Ultimate eight at Malaga, Spain, from November 19-24.
