Novak Djokovic delivered an emotional tribute to Rafael Nadal after the most successful male players in tennis history played their final match at the Six Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia.

While this match at what is an exhibition event in Riyhad will not be counted in the official tally of matches between Djokovic and Nadal, it was a final snapshot of a rivalry that has spanned almost two decades and served up some of the greatest matches in tennis history.

Djokovic and Nadal have not always seen eye-to-eye and that is understandable, given their intense sporting rivalry.

Yet as the final blows were exchanged between them, it was hard not to feel more than a tinge of emotion as Djokovic spoke from the heart about an opponent who had driven him to the next level.

Djokovic will strive to add to his haul of 24 Grand Slam titles as he looks to continue his career into 2025, but the final curtain will fall on 22-time Grand Slam king Nadal in next month’s Davis Cup Finals in Malaga.

The Serbian great has confirmed he intends to be there to pay a final tribute to a player he describes as ‘my greatest rival’ and he clearly spent some time considering his comments as he spoke to Nadal after their last match.

“I don’t know where to start,” said Djokovic.

“I’ll go back to the first match we played in 2005 I think it was. Who would know we would be standing here 20 years later more than 60 times we faced each other.

“I have the utmost respect for you. Incredible athlete. Incredible person. I’d like to congratulate all your team and family on the amazing career Rafa had. It’s also your success.

“I know how much sacrifice the family has to put for a professional tennis player. I can only imagine the highs and lows you went through with him.

“You deserve this success as much as he does. Congratulations. An amazing, amazing career. It’s difficult. I could speak all night. I think Rafa should speak instead of me.

“It’s been an incredible honour as I told you at the net. Incredible pleasure to share the court with you. It’s an emotional moment.”

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There have been occasions when Nadal has been a little begrudging in his comments on Djokovic’s success, but that tension that is inevitable between the two sporting greats will now drain away.

That much was clear as Nadal returned the kind words from Djokovic with a tribute of his own.

“I want to say a few words for Novak and his team,” said Nadal.

“Thank you. For everything. What you said today and all the moments we shared on court. It’s been an amazing rivalry.

“In a personal way, you helped me go over my limits for almost 15 years. Without that, I wouldn’t be the player I am today.

“Congratulations for all the titles and amazing career to you and your team. I wish you all the best of luck for the future.

“I will finish with one big thank you, from not just me, but all of the tennis world for what you have done. You left an incredible legacy and we really appreciate it.

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

Djokovic and his team posed with Nadal and his team for a classy picture at the end of the event, as they ended their rivalry with a smile.

The tennis world is fortunate to have had two of the greatest athletes of this century duelling against each other in our sport.

Their iconic rivalry will be missed, but the memories they leave behind will live forever.

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