Novak Djokovic has urged his long-time rival Rafael Nadal to reconsider his decision to retire in a heartfelt moment.
Following his 6-2, 7-6 (7/5) victory over the Spaniard at the “Six Kings Slam” exhibition in Saudi Arabia, Djokovic implored the 22-time Grand Slam champion to not leave the sport during the post-match interview.
“Don’t leave tennis, man.” He went on to acknowledge the intensity of their legendary rivalry over the years and added that he hoped they could someday “sit on a beach somewhere” and share a drink.
Nadal had announced his decision to retire from the sport in October after competing for Spain in the Davis Cup with his match against Djokovic being billed as his last singles contest.
Djokovic and Nadal had clashed 60 times prior to Saturday’s exhibition, with Djokovic narrowly leading their head-to-head record 31-29. The pair also share 46 Grand Slam titles between them, with Djokovic leading 24-22. Their previous meeting at on official match came at the Paris Olympics, where Djokovic claimed a straightforward victory on the same Roland Garros courts that witnessed Nadal’s 14 French Open triumphs.
With Nadal likely done with the sport as well, the Serb remains the sole representative of the “Big Four” of Roger Federer, Andy Murray, Nadal and Djokovic which dominated the sport of tennis for a almost a decade and a half.