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ATP Tennis Players, Novak Djokovic, Rafa Nadal, Tennis News

Novak Djokovic thanks Rafael Nadal for pushing him ‘to the very limit’


Novak Djokovic has reacted to the news of Rafael Nadal’s upcoming retirement, admitting that his rivalry with the Spaniard has impacted him ‘most as a player’.

Djokovic is currently in China for the Shanghai Masters and has now joined those paying tribute to Nadal.

Earlier today, Nadal announced that he would be bringing an end to his 23-year career at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga next month.

And Djokovic has posted a message for his greatest rival on social media, “Rafa, one post is not enough to express the respect I have for you and what you have done for our sport. You have inspired millions of children to start playing tennis and I think that’s probably 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 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 best possible farewell in Malaga with Davis Cup team of Spain. I will be there in person to pay respect to your stellar career.”


Djokovic and Nadal have competed against each other more than any other players in ATP Open Era history with 60 total meetings.

The Serbian leads the head-to-head 31-29, with their final official meeting coming at the Paris Olympic Games in July.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oAdS9-p12U

While Djokovic is still active at the Shanghai Masters, both he and Nadal will also be present at the ‘Six Kings Slam’ exhibition next week in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Nadal’s final tournament will be at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga, beginning Tuesday 19th November, that Djokovic has confirmed he will be in attendance for.

Inside the baseline…

With all of the tributes pouring in for Rafael Nadal today, the one from Novak Djokovic is what a lot of people have been waiting for. Although they are admittedly not the closest of friends, their rivalry has been immense over the years and the respect is so clear to see. That respect has been put into some fantastic words from Djokovic, who will be present at the Davis Cup Finals to watch his great rival, despite Serbia not qualifying.

READ MORE: Carlos Alcaraz admits Rafael Nadal retirement is ‘tough to accept’

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Matthew Johns, Tennishead Writer, is a professional tennis journalist with a specialist degree in Sports Journalism. He's a keen tennis player having represented his local club and University plus he's also a qualified tennis coach. Matthew has a deep knowledge of tennis especially the ATP Tour and thrives on breaking big tennis news stories for Tennishead.