Between them they won 46 Grand Slam titles and stopped each other from winning many more.

Nadal and Djokovic played one another 60 times on the ATP Tour and though their final contest is taking place at an exhibition event, the tennis world is thrilled to see the legends on court together one more time.

What did Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic say ahead of their Six Kings Slam match?

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic will compete in the third place playoff at the Six Kings Slam on Saturday.

Nadal lost to Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-finals, while Djokovic suffered defeat to World number one Jannik Sinner.

After facing one another for the very first time at the French Open in 2006, their final match will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and both men are looking forward to the contest.

“We’ve played quite a lot of times in our careers. So one more time it’s going to be good fun. I’m excited about playing against Novak again,” Nadal said.

“We had a super long and beautiful story, so let’s try to enjoy that last battle, being professional myself. I’m going to try my best and try to bring good energy and a good show to the people.”

Djokovic added: “Yeah it should be fun. Rafa and I played 60 times or more. So it’s another fantastic opportunity to face each other before he retires from tennis.”

What has Novak Djokovic said about Rafael Nadal’s retirement?

The tennis world is preparing for the moment that Nadal will retire from professional tennis. He played for 23 years and during that time claimed 22 Grand Slams, an Olympic gold medal and became the World number one.

He played and approached the game in a way no other player has and he has left a lasting legacy in the sport. Many tributes were made in honour of Nadal and his career, inducing from Djokovic, arguably his biggest rival.

“Rafa, one post is not enough to express the respect I have for you and what you have done for our sport,” Djokovic wrote on X. “You have inspired millions of children to start playing tennis and I think that’s probably the greatest achievement anyone can wish for.

“Your tenacity, dedication, fighting spirit is going to be taught for decades. Your legacy will live forever. Only you know what you had to endure to become an icon of tennis and sport in general.

“Thank you for pushing me to the very limit so many times in our rivalry that has impacted me the most as a player. Your passion for representing Spain has always been remarkable.

“I wish you the best possible farewell in Malaga with the Davis Cup team of Spain. I will be there in person to pay respect to your stellar career.”

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