“Don’t leave tennis, stay with us a little longer”

Rafa Nadal showed that sometimes desire is not enough. After a career marked by incredible triumphs and epic recoveries, the Spaniard a few weeks ago announced his final retirement from tennis, a sport in which he has been a world leader for more than two decades.

After battling the effects of hip surgery in 2023, Nadal has not been able to return to the level he himself requires to compete, at least not in the same way as before. The end of that era was marked by one last symbolic duel: Nadal against his arch-rival Novak Djokovic in the consolation final of the Six Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia. Although it was an exhibition match, it was still the end of a historic rivalry.

This confrontation was the 61st between them. Djokovic remains with a slight lead: 32 wins to Nadal’s 29. The match in Riyadh, despite the peculiarities of the match, was far from a formality. This was the unofficial closure of what was Big threethe legendary trio that changed tennis forever, and they both knew it. It was the Serb who took the initiative.

Two tennis legends say goodbye

When the last point on court in Riyadh went to Djokovic, the competition faded into the background. What really mattered was what came next: Novak’s emotional farewell to his eternal rival. “I have great respect for you, you are an incredible athlete and a wonderful person,” said the Balkan tennis player.

But what was most surprising was the warm and personal tone he used, far from any formality. “I hope we can sit on the beach and have a drink together and talk about life,” he said with a smile, showing that beyond rivalry there is true friendship. And, almost like a plea, he added: “Don’t quit tennis, man, stay with us a little longer. Or at least don’t leave us.