In a much-anticipated final match at the 6 Kings Slam, Novak Djokovic defeated his longtime rival Rafael Nadal in Saudi Arabia. This exhibition event marked the last time the two tennis legends would face off in singles, as Nadal nears retirement. Djokovic claimed victory with a straight-set win, 6-2, 7-6 (7-5), solidifying his position in their historic rivalry.
Nadal’s Final Battle Before Retirement
Nadal, who announced earlier this month that he will retire after the upcoming Davis Cup in Malaga, fought valiantly but could not overcome Djokovic. Despite an early struggle in the first set, where Djokovic broke his serve twice, Nadal staged a determined comeback in the second set. He pushed Djokovic to a tiebreak but narrowly lost, with Djokovic taking the win in just over an hour.
Djokovic Reflects on Rivalry
After the match, Djokovic praised Nadal‘s legacy, expressing deep respect for his longtime competitor. He acknowledged how their rivalry pushed both players to excel. Nadal, in turn, reflected on how Djokovic helped him push beyond his limits throughout his career. The two shared a touching moment at the net, capping off one of tennis’s greatest rivalries.
During a special ceremony, Nadal was presented with a golden tennis racquet, celebrating his illustrious career. However, the $6 million prize went to Italy’s Jannik Sinner, who claimed victory in the overall tournament by defeating Carlos Alcaraz.
As Nadal approaches retirement, his final match against Djokovic in the 6 Kings Slam serves as a fitting end to an era of extraordinary tennis battles.
