Rafael Nadal reflected on an “amazing rivalry” with Novak Djokovic and said he “would not be the player he is today” after losing their final meeting as professionals.
Nadal, 38, announced earlier this month that he will retire from tennis at the end of the season.
Serbia’s Djokovic beat the Spaniard 6-2 7-6 (7-5) in their third-place match at the Six Kings Slam exhibition event in Saudi Arabia.
The pair shared a warm embrace at the net at the end, while Nadal was presented with a golden tennis racquet as part of a post-match presentation in Riyadh.
“Thank you very much for all of the moments we shared on court during all of our careers – we have had an amazing rivalry,” said Nadal in an interview conducted on court.
“You helped me to go over my limits so thank you for that, because without that, I would probably not be the player that I am today.”
Nadal will represent Spain in his final appearance at next month’s Davis Cup Finals in Malaga.
“What I will miss is almost everything,” added Nadal, who won a record 14 French Open titles and 22 Grand Slams in total.
“It has been a dream come true to have been able to play for almost 20 years, being competitive and having the chance to play at the best places in the world.
“I realised my dream to become a professional tennis player and be a successful one. I can’t thank people enough for the support and the love I’ve received all around.”
‘You have left an incredible legacy’
Djokovic, with 24 Grand Slam titles, is the only male player to have won more than Nadal’s tally of 22.
The reigning Olympic champion had won 31 of their 60 ATP Tour and Grand Slam meetings before Saturday’s contest.
Speaking after the match, he told Nadal: “I have the utmost respect for you – an incredible athlete and an incredible person.
“The rivalry has been incredible, it has been very intense, so I hope we will have a chance to sit on the beach somewhere and have a drink reflecting on life and talking about something else.
“It’s been an incredible honour and pleasure to share the court with you. It’s an emotional moment and an emotional day, we’ve been playing so many matches over so many years.
“I will finish with one big thank you from not just me, but all of the tennis world, for what you have done. You have left an incredible legacy.”
Italy’s Jannik Sinner is facing Carlos Alcaraz of Spain in Saturday’s final for a first prize of $6m (about £4.5m).
Between them, world number one Sinner and world number two Alcaraz have won all four men’s Grand Slam titles in 2024.
Sinner won the Australian Open and US Open, while Alcaraz was victorious at the French Open and Wimbledon.
