Rafa Nadal is more than a big personality in the world of tennis so it wasn’t surprising that he towered over events on finals day of the Six Kings Slam exhibition being played in the Saudi Arabian capital where he was competing in one of the last events of his exceptional career.
I will finish with one big thank you, not just from me, but all of the tennis world for what you’ve done.
You’ve left an incredible legacy and mark, and we really appreciate you. Novak Djokovic
The two matches featured ironically reflected a former great rivalry and the emergence of its replacement. It could be described as a visual transition – a major landmark in the sport.
However, it’s an exhibition event and is not recognised by the ATP so will have no bearing on the tour.
First up was the continuation of the great rivalry between the serial Grand Slam winners, Novak Djokovic and Rafa Nadal in what was described as the ‘third-place match’ after both players lost their semi-final events last Friday. That was followed by the actual final between the new rivalry being developed over the past year or so, between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, the current two players sitting at the top of the rankings.
For the record Djokovic beat Nadal 6-2 7-6(5) in what was their 61st clash of their careers, and Sinner defeated Alcaraz 6-7(5) 6-3 6-3 in their 11th to become champion of the event and leave Riyadh with over US$4-million in his pocket!
Despite their irrelevance as regards the ATP Tour, the two matches were hotly contested. Nadal as expected, put up tremendous fight and showed the sort of determination which he had displayed throughout his career pushing Djokovic to the limit and forcing a tiebreak in that second set having saved a match point at 5-4. There Serbian managed to squeeze past him and prevent a deciding set.
And then, in what was an emotional moment for the pair, they expressed their feelings for each other.
“Novak, you helped me go over my limits for 15 years,” Nadal said. “I will probably not be the player I am [without you].
“I wish you the best of luck for the future.
“It has been a dream come true to be able to play for almost 20 years, being competitive, having the chance to play in the best places in the world, which I watched on TV as a kid,” he added ending by thanking the crowds all over the world.
“I cannot thank you enough for the support and love I have received all around.
“There was an amazing journey every single tournament over the years.
“I feel very fortunate to be a tennis player.”
In reply, Djokovic hoped the Spaniard would stay in the game following his last appearance next month at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga.
“Don’t leave tennis man,” the Serbian said. “Stay a little bit more, stay with us.
“I will finish with one big thank you, not just from me, but all of the tennis world for what you’ve done.
“You’ve left an incredible legacy and mark, and we really appreciate you.
“We are standing here almost 20 years later [after their first match at the French Open, 2006] with more than 60 matches against each other on the biggest stage in this sport.
“I have the utmost respect for you; an incredible athlete, an incredible person.”
The official statistics show that at the end of his career, Djokovic holds a 2-match advantage over his rival having beaten him 31 times to Nadal’s 29.
The big question now is whether the new boys will last as long and be as close. One can only hope they can because, when the last of the ‘Big Three’, Djokovic, hangs up his racket to join Roger Federer and Nadal on the sidelines, there could be a big void.
(Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
