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 unbelievable profession.
“It has been an unbelievable honour and an unbelievable pleasure to share the courtroom with you.It has been fairly an emotional second as we speak, we have been taking part in lots of video games over so a few years,” the 24-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic stated.
“The rivalry has been unbelievable and really intense, so I hope that we’ll have an opportunity to possibly sit within the seaside someplace have somewhat drink, reflecting on life, speaking about one thing else.
“Thanks for what you may have completed, you allow an unbelievable 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 every part for all of the moments we shared on courtroom throughout our careers. It has been an incredible rivalry,” stated Nadal, whose males’s file of profitable 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 as we speak. Congratulations for all of the titles and wonderful profession to you and your staff. I want you all the perfect of luck for the long run,” he added
In 60 matches in opposition to one another, essentially the most in males’s tennis, the Spaniard triumphed 29 instances to the Serb’s 31.
Nadal will compete for Spain within the Davis Cup Ultimate 8 at Malaga, Spain, from November 19-24.
