{"id":14986,"date":"2024-10-20T03:01:32","date_gmt":"2024-10-20T03:01:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportnews.drinkfood.info\/?p=14986"},"modified":"2024-10-20T03:01:32","modified_gmt":"2024-10-20T03:01:32","slug":"novak-djokovic-beats-rafael-nadal-in-their-final-match-as-duo-earn-staggering-saudi-payday","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportnews.drinkfood.info\/?p=14986","title":{"rendered":"Novak Djokovic beats Rafael Nadal in their final match as duo earn staggering Saudi payday"},"content":{"rendered":"

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal did singles battle for the final time at the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.<\/h3>\n
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\"Novak<\/picture><\/p>\n

Novak Djokovic beat Rafael Nadal at the Six Kings Slam.\u00a0(Image: Getty)<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

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Rafael Nadal\u00a0and\u00a0Novak Djokovic\u00a0shared a warm embrace at the net after doing battle for the final time in their illustrious rivalry on Saturday night. Djokovic cruised to a straight-sets victory to secure third place at the inaugural Six Kings Slam – certainly quicker than the Riyadh crowd would’ve liked.<\/p>\n

Nadal’s professional singles tennis career is now over after definitive defeats to\u00a0Carlos Alcaraz\u00a0and Djokovic in Saudi Arabia.<\/p>\n

But the Spaniard will pocket at least a staggering \u00a31.2million for competing at the event as he prepares to bid his final farewell at next month’s Davis Cup Finals.<\/p>\n

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Nadal received appreciative applause as he took to the court for his singles swansong, donning a navy blue polo shirt and shorts with a light blue headband and wristbands.<\/p>\n

His opponent, Djokovic, showcased a red top and purple shorts on top of some noticeable strapping on his upper right light.<\/p>\n

That didn’t stop the Serb from earning bragging rights in the pair’s final meeting, though, as he triumphed 6-2 7-6 against his long-time foe.<\/p>\n

Nadal’s only competitive victory on the day came in the toss, earning the right to serve first and the opportunity to set the tone.<\/p>\n

But a 30-0 lead soon became a brutal reminder that Djokovic is still among the finest on the ATP Tour. An early break was followed by a hold for a two-game advantage.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Rafael<\/picture><\/p>\n

Rafael Nadal’s professional singles tennis career is over.\u00a0(Image: Getty)<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

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The iconic pair traded holds to take it to 3-2 Djokovic before the 2024 Olympic champion clicked into gear and claimed three consecutive games for the opening set.<\/p>\n

Nadal looked nervous. That was according to his coach, Carlos Moya, anyway. He told Sky Sports: “Slow start for Rafa today, and he will play better in the second set. Nervous, given it’s his final match.<\/p>\n

“He could be and probably is against his biggest enemy\/rival on court. So probably a lot of emotions and normal for him to be nervous. Let’s try to enjoy now.”<\/p>\n

Moya was correct. A more competitive second set appeared destined to end in a 6-4 victory for Djokovic, only for a characteristic late flurry from the 38-year-old.<\/p>\n

The Riyadh crowd huddled into The Venue for the historic occasion were treated to ferocious shots and fist pumps galore as Nadal turned a 5-4 deficit into a 6-5 lead.<\/p>\n

But, as is often the case, Djokovic’s class prevailed. A hold to love forced a tiebreak, which the 24-time Grand Slam winner took 7-5.<\/p>\n

Jannik Sinner\u00a0will face Alcaraz in Saturday’s final, with an eye-watering \u00a34.6m in prize money on the table for the winner of one of tennis’ latest great rivalries.<\/p>\n

Djokovic and Nadal’s last dance was the unspoken main event of the day, though, as the final chapter in a memorable sporting story.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal did singles battle for the final time at the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 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