Six Kings Slam

Djokovic wins duel of the giants against Nadal

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal(Bild: APA/AFP)

Rafael Nadal has lost out in a final duel between two tennis superstars. The Spaniard, who will end his career after the Davis Cup finals, was beaten 2:6, 6:7(5) by Serbia's Novak Djokovic in the match for third place at the Six Kings Slam exhibition tournament in Riyadh on Saturday evening. 

South Tyrolean Jannik Sinner secured the title and the winner's cheque of six million US dollars (5.53 million euros) with a 6:7(5), 6:3, 6:3 win over Carlos Alcaraz.

The tournament victory went to Jannik Sinner(Bild: APA/AFP)

"Incredible rivalry"
"Thank you Novak for everything, for all the moments together on the court. It was an incredible rivalry," said Nadal. Djokovic had helped him to go beyond his own limits. "Without him, I wouldn't have become the player I am today," emphasized the 22-time Grand Slam winner. The two have met 60 times, with the 38-year-old Spaniard only just coming out on top with 29 wins to 31. Djokovic is number one with 24 triumphs at major level.

Rafael Nadal(Bild: AFP)

"It was an incredible honor and an incredible pleasure to share the court with you. It was quite an emotional moment today, we've played a lot of matches over so many years," said the Serb. Nadal leaves behind an incredible legacy. "We really appreciate that." The Davis Cup final tournament will take place between November 19 and 24 in Malaga.