The legendary rivalry between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, which has captivated tennis fans for over a decade, will officially come to an end today with their final face-off at the much-discussed ‘Six Kings Slam’ exhibition in Saudi Arabia. In what promises to be a bittersweet moment for tennis enthusiasts, the two icons of the sport will clash for third place, marking the final chapter in one of the most celebrated head-to-head rivalries in tennis history.
This exhibition match, however, will not be included in their official head-to-head statistics, where Djokovic currently holds a narrow 31-29 lead over Nadal. Their last official encounter came earlier this year during the second round of the Paris Olympics, where Djokovic triumphed in straight sets on the same courts where Nadal had previously cemented his legendary status. With this match set to be unofficial, the Paris Olympics showdown will stand as the final official chapter in their competitive history.
The end of this iconic rivalry signals a major shift in tennis, as Nadal is set to retire from professional tennis after the Davis Cup Finals in December. The 22-time Grand Slam champion will make his final appearance for Spain in Malaga, where he hopes to contribute to the national team’s campaign, although his physical condition raises doubts about his ability to compete at a high level. Meanwhile, Djokovic, who continues to dominate the sport even at 37, will pay tribute to his longtime rival during the event, acknowledging the role Nadal has played in shaping his career.
The mutual respect between Djokovic and Nadal has always been evident, and Djokovic’s recent comments in a *La Nacion* interview shed light on how their rivalry, along with that of Roger Federer, propelled all three players to greatness. Djokovic reflected on the early years of his career, where he struggled to break through the Federer-Nadal duopoly, which seemed impenetrable at the time. “It took me three years to win my second Grand Slam,” Djokovic said, referencing his victory at the 2008 Australian Open and the subsequent drought before his 2011 breakthrough. “I was playing at a very high level, but I couldn’t win another Slam because of those two. They dominated everything. I didn’t have the formula to beat them.”
For Djokovic, the period between 2008 and 2011 was a turning point. “Those three years were crucial for my growth,” he explained. “I was more thirsty for victories, especially against them. I knew that if I could find a way to be like them in the big matches, and I knew that much of it was coming from my mind, I could start winning more. And that’s what happened. I’m proud to have been a part of this.”
Djokovic went on to define his rivalry with Nadal and Federer as “one of the greatest rivalries in the history of sport,” noting how their battles transcended the tennis world and attracted millions of new fans to the game. “People said there was no room for a third [in the rivalry], but then we created the best tennis trio that ever existed.” He also acknowledged that his victory with Serbia at the 2010 Davis Cup was a key moment in his career, providing him with the confidence to consistently challenge his two greatest rivals on the biggest stages.
Djokovic’s thoughts on Federer’s retirement last year at the Laver Cup also struck a chord. “I didn’t think I’d be so emotional,” he confessed. “It was a sad moment, because Roger is an icon of our sport. I didn’t think it would hit me like that, but at the moment, you realize a part of yourself is going with him.”
With Nadal set to follow Federer into retirement soon, Djokovic will be the last remaining active member of the Big Three—an era that has defined men’s tennis for nearly two decades. However, Djokovic’s place in the sport is still far from over. With 24 Grand Slam titles to his name, he remains the player to beat on the ATP Tour, even as he approaches 38 years old. The Serbian star has gradually scaled back his playing schedule in recent years, focusing more on life outside of tennis, particularly his family.
In his *La Nacion* interview, Djokovic opened up about his family life and how his son, Stefan, has influenced his outlook on the future. “My son is almost 10 years old. He doesn’t play tennis much, but he loves it. He also likes basketball, athletics, skiing,” Djokovic shared. The Serbian icon also talked about his love for skiing, a sport that runs in his family. “I used to ski and compete as a child because my father was a skier. Growing up, we spent a lot of time in the mountains. Last winter, I went skiing with my son. He won a competition—there were about 30 kids—and he won his first race. He was proud, saying, ‘I want to stay in the mountains, I found my sport.’”
Djokovic’s reflections on his son’s newfound love for skiing reveal a softer side to the fierce competitor who has dominated tennis for years. As he looks toward the future, it’s clear that while Djokovic remains focused on achieving more success on the court, he is also preparing for life beyond tennis, finding joy in watching his children grow and discover their passions.
As Djokovic and Nadal prepare to face off one final time at the ‘Six Kings Slam,’ it is not just the end of a rivalry, but the end of an era. Their battles have defined a generation of tennis, pushing both players to heights they might not have reached alone. While Djokovic’s journey in tennis continues, Nadal’s imminent retirement leaves a void that will be hard to fill. For fans, this exhibition match offers one last chance to witness two of the sport’s greatest players competing on the same court, a moment to celebrate their incredible rivalry and the lasting impact they’ve had on the sport.