The end of an era is upon us! Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, two titans of tennis, have given us some of the most thrilling, heart-stopping moments on the court. Their rivalry has kept fans on the edge of their seats for years. Together with Roger Federer, they have defined the “Big 3” of the sport, pushing each other to new heights. But now, as Nadal prepares to hang up his racquet, there’s a palpable sense of change in the air. Djokovic, his longtime rival and fellow tennis legend, didn’t let this moment pass without paying an emotional tribute to the Spanish maestro. 

The Serbian Maestro and the Spanish legend faced each other for the last time at the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh. Despite the tournament not being recognized by the ATP Tour, the buzz was palpable among the fans as the legends clashed on the court. They competed for the third position, and the encounter eventually witnessed Djokovic walking away with the victory in straight sets 6-2, 7-6. But besides the match, what caught the attention of the community was the remarkable ode from Djokovic to Nadal.

Speaking in the post-match presentation, the Serb paid a heartwarming tribute to his arch-rival. “I have the utmost respect for you. You are an incredible athlete and an incredible person. The rivalry has been incredible, really, and has been very intense, so I hope that we will have the chance to maybe sit on the beach somewhere and have a little drink, reflecting on life and talking about something else,” Nole said. Remember, the two players have faced each other 60 times on the tour with Djokovic leading the head-to-head tally with a narrow margin, 31-29. Meanwhile, Djokovic’s tribute did not end there.

Continuing further, the Serbian acknowledged the efforts of Nadal’s family and team in his career. “You deserve this success as much as he does so congratulations on an amazing career,” he shared. He reiterated his stance on how grateful he was to have played one more match against the player and made a remarkable wish, saying “Don’t leave tennis, man, stay a little bit more. Stay with us.” Interestingly, this is not the first time when the star player has expressed such emotions for his legendary counterpart.

Soon after defeating Jakub Mensik in the quarterfinals of the Shanghai Masters, Novak Djokovic opened up about his true feelings about Rafael Nadal’s retirement. “Also for Roger a few years ago when he announced retirement, and Andy as well this year. It’s a bit overwhelming for me. I don’t know what to make out of it. I still enjoy competing but part of me left with them, a big part of me,” he said revealing how Nadal’s retirement added a toll on his emotions. Nadal too, has reciprocated the emotions and highlighted the importance of his friendship with Djokovic and Federer.

In an interaction with DAZN Nadal said, “Of course with Roger it has been special but with Novak too, I have a good relationship,” Continuing further, he added, “I think that’s possible because at the end, we understand that it’s only a game. In life, we have many more important things outside of tennis. So at the end, tennis is only a game, relationships go beyond that.” Interestingly, Djokovic’s latest remark also seems to be a U-turn from what he said about Nadal earlier.

When Novak Djokovic explained why it is “impossible” to be friends with Rafael Nadal

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have defined the meaning of the sport for many enthusiasts and budding players. But despite their stature and success, it seemed like getting out of the rivalry was not easy for the players, especially for Djokovic. It is probably for this reason, that he claimed that it is not possible for him to be friends with Nadal. 

Engaging in an interview with Corriere Della Sera in 2023, Djokovic explained that tennis rivals cannot be friends. “Even with him (Nadal), friendship is impossible. I have always respected and greatly admired him… We have never been friends.” However, he shared that they have not been enemies either. “Between rivals, it is not possible, but we have never been enemies.” But now, it seems like the star player is changing his stance as he pays a heartfelt tribute to the ‘King of Clay.’

For now, it would be interesting to see if Djokovic will be present in Malaga, Spain to pay a final tribute to the legendary Spaniard, as he bids adieu to the arena after the Davis Cup.