Witnessing a legend living some of the last moments of his career on the courts is probably the most emotional feeling ever. Six handpicked players gathered in Riyadh to provide an amazing experience to the fans and Rafael Nadal became a part too. His 60th and probably the last showdown against Novak Djokovic became a hit, as fans, team members, and family held their tears. But amid all the excitement about the Spaniard making his second last appearance, it wasn’t just him but a special guest in the stands who stole the attention.

Djokovic secured a remarkable win over Rafael Nadal in straight sets, 6-2, 7-6 (7-5), at the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh on Saturday, October 19. This third-place playoff marked one of their final encounters as Nadal has already announced his retirement. With this victory, Djokovic extended his lead in their historic rivalry to 31-29. This seemed like a repeat telecast of the Paris Olympics and therefore made this match all the more significant as both veterans of the sport marked an end to their storied rivalry.

The atmosphere in the stadium was electric, but what truly stole the spotlight was the heartwarming presence of Nadal’s son, Rafa Jr., who was seen cheering for his father from the box. The young Rafa couldn’t hide his excitement when his father executed a stunning drop shot during the match, and he applauded with his little hands. His smiles and cheers for Nadal captivated the audience along with adding a personal touch to the emotional match. As the match concluded with Djokovic’s victory, Nadal made his way to the box and shared a delightful moment with his son, giving him a high five despite the defeat.

However, this wasn’t the only interaction with junior Rafa at the exhibition event. After one of his matches, Nadal addressed the importance of having his son and family with him. During the on-court interview, he reflected on this special moment, “It must be nice to have baby Rafa here with your wife and family. He thinks you’re great whether you win or lose,” the interviewer said. Nadal humorously replied, “Well, I don’t think I’m great. Since he arrived in the world, I lost more than I won,” giving a big laugh to the crowd. Despite his recent struggles on the court, Nadal expressed how much his son’s presence has meant to him. “At the same time, having him here helps all the tough moments I’ve been through the last couple of years,” he added.

The 38-year-old Spaniard has battled injuries and inconsistent form in recent years, with a 12-7 record in singles matches this season. Despite the losses, Nadal was upbeat, sharing that his son “behaves very well even when it’s late,” and that he felt “happy” to have his family with him during these final stages of his career. Although the Spaniard couldn’t win this match, it still offered fans one last chance to see two of the game’s greatest competitors face off. It also highlighted the deep bond between Nadal and his family as he prepares to step away from the sport.

Djokovic Urges Rafael Nadal to Reconsider Retirement After Final Showdown

Novak Djokovic called on his longtime rival Rafael Nadal to delay his retirement plans after defeating him in what could be their final meeting on the tennis court. Djoker’s 6-2, 7-6 (7-5) win at the “Six Kings Slam” exhibition in Saudi Arabia on Saturday marked a potential end to their remarkable rivalry going on for two years. After the match, the Serb took the opportunity to speak directly to Nadal, urging him not to retire just yet. “Don’t leave tennis, man,” Djokovic said during the on-court interview. This highlighted his admiration for their intense battles over the years.

The rivalry between Djokovic and Nadal is one of the most iconic in sports history. The two have played each other 60 times on the main tour, with Djokovic holding a slim 31-29 lead. Their fierce competition pushed them to extraordinary heights and their respect for one another was evident as Djokovic suggested that after their playing days were over, they could one day relax and “sit on a beach somewhere” with a drink in hand. It’s a testament to the mutual admiration they share despite their battles on the court.

Nadal, who announced his intention to retire after the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga next month, remains uncertain about whether he will play singles in that event. The match in Saudi Arabia was marked as possibly his final singles appearance as a professional. The 38-year-old has endured a series of injuries that have taken a toll on his body, but Djokovic’s urge unveiled a sentiment shared by many tennis fans as they hope to see Nadal continue, even if for just a little longer.