Rafael Nadal v Novak Djokovic - Follow third-place play-off match at the Six Kings Slam as it happened
Updated 19/10/2024 at 19:37 GMT+1
The Six Kings Slam is a lucrative six-player tennis exhibition event that will take place from October 16-19 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. And Saturday 19th of October will see Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic contest the third-place play-off before world No. 1 Jannik Sinner faces world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz in the final. Follow action from the third-place play-off here.
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Video credit: SNTV
DJOKOVIC SECURES 6-2 7-5 (5) VICTORY
Djokovic eventually found a way in the second set to secure straight-set victory over Nadal in their 61st and final meeting.
It spells an end to an incredible rivalry which saw some excellent match-ups over the years.
Will that be the end of Rafa's singles career? We're yet to find out if he will compete in the Davis Cup, but there is certainly some life left in the 22-time Grand Slam winner.
That will be all from us today, thank you for following along with our live coverage!
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Rafael Nadal of Spain poses for a photo with Turki Alalshikh (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Image credit: Getty Images
NADAL ON UNFORGETTABLE RIVALRY
"Novak, you helped me go over my limits for 15 years," he said. "I will probably not be the player I am [without you].
"I wish you the best of luck for the future."
RAFA LOVE-IN
There's a lot of love for Rafa here in Riyadh.
A montage of his finest moments, including an historic 14 Roland-Garros titles is shown on the big screen.
He is handed a golden racquet in front of a rousing reception from the Saudi Arabia crowd.
NOVAK LAUDS RAFA IN POST-MATCH CEREMONY
An incredible rivalry of 61 matches comes to an end in Riyadh, and Djokovic only had words of praise for the King of Clay.
"I don't know where to start with Rafa," he said on-court. "I go back to the very first match we played and who would know we would be standing here almost 20 years later, playing 60 times.
"I have the utmost respect for you. Incredible athlete, incredible person. The rivalry has been incredible, very intense, so I hope we will have the chance to sit on the bench, have a drink and reflect.
GAME, SET, MATCH: NOVAK DJOKOVIC
It's an eventual 6-2 7-5 (5) for Novak Djokovic. Rafa putting up a phenomenal fight towards the end and rolling back the years with a vintage display of fight and desire.
Djokovic's match sharpness ultimately prevailed, but the second set in particular was an immense watch.
If that does spell the end of Rafa's singles career, he has done himself proud in Riyadh.
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Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts during the Men's Singles Third Place Playoff match against Novak Djokovic (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Image credit: Getty Images
TIE BREAK: DJOKOVIC 6-5 NADAL
Another twist! Nadal tries the serve-volley but stumbles and Novak receives an easy pass.
But then Novak gives it too much throttle on the approach and Rafa gets his mini-break.
Another ace takes Djoko to match point.
TIE BREAK: DJOKOVIC 4-4 NADAL
More mini-holds for Novak, including a stunning ace with his second.
Rafa then prevails on his serve. There has to be some breakthrough here...
TIE BREAK: DJOKOVIC 2-3 NADAL
A trade of mini-holds and, to be fair, once engaging in the rally Rafa's groundies are starting to look really good.
Can he take this to 1-1?
DJOKOVIC 6-6 NADAL
Djokovic dismissing Nadal's surge by wrapping up a hold to love.
Better serving, less faults in there. Rafa struggled to find a reply for much of that.
Tie-break it is!
DJOKOVIC 5-6 NADAL
What on earth has possessed Nadal? An incredible show of fight and desire, he does not want this rivalry to die.
Another trademark forehand down the line gives Novak no chance.
While he was pegged back to 30-30, Nadal made no mistake in wrapping up the hold. Not afraid to take the game to his old rival.
Now a tie-break as the worst-case scenario for the Spaniard.
WOW! DJOKOVIC 5-5 NADAL
What an incredible break from the 22-time Slam winner.
Djokovic breezes to 15-0 before firing wide and into the net as Nadal pulls to 15-30.
But a phenomenal ace on the wide angle from the left reels him back in, before Nadal can't get the subsequent return over the net.
Nadal stands firm with an exceptional response, however, engaging into a back-of-the-court exchange and smashing into the vacated corner of the court.
The spirited Spaniard then took advantage and break point with a remarkable forehand on the stretch, down the line, Novak with no chance of getting there.
And just as we thought we'd seen everything Nadal had to offer, he completed the break, saving match point, and the Riyadh crowd launches into celebration.
Never say die, Rafa through-and-through.
DJOKOVIC 5-4 NADAL
Ah, Nadal's staunch attempt at breathing life into the match may well have just come to a crashing halt.
Complete dominance from Djokovic and Rafa looks to tire, being broken to love.
Novak to serve for the match in Riyadh.
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Novak Djokovic of Serbia plays a forehand during the Men's Singles Third Place Playoff match against Rafael Nadal (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Image credit: Getty Images
DJOKOVIC 4-4 NADAL
No real rhythm at the start of the game, Djokovic missing a fair chunk of his first serves. A really nice Rafa forehand on the stretch puts pay to Djoko's hopes of a straight-forward hold and they engage in another deuce.
It's so frustrating for Rafa who looks for break point but unleashes an effort just wide. Novak then wraps it up to level the set with an unstoppable approach.
DJOKOVIC 3-4 NADAL
An eventual hold from Rafa after Djokovic threatened to seize an advantage with two break points.
Rafa's fitness and mettle being tested as the match wears on.
DJOKOVIC 3-3 NADAL
Rafa with a beautifullly-placed forehand on the run to go 0-15 up, and breaks down Djoko's serve in fine fashion from the back of the court to gain two break points.
But Djokovic's typical resilience sees a charge back to deuce, before recovering Rafa's advantafe for an eventual hold.
The Serbian's quality shining through in these key moments.
DJOKOVIC 2-3 NADAL
Better on the serving front from Nadal.
He still has that forehand in the locker. It just ebbs and flows.
Rafa said he will only play singles in the Davis Cup if he genuinely believes he can win. It's hard to judge, off this display, if he will be going ahead with it. The lack of sharpness is clear but we have to remember he's up against Novak who, despite his age, is still operating at a very high level.
DJOKOVIC 2-2 NADAL
An easy hold for the Serbian. When he gets Rafa moving, it tends to be ending well for him.
DJOKOVIC 1-2 NADAL
Bit steadier from Rafa as he looks to wrap up the hold. He has the whole court to aim at on the approach, but completely miscues it. Sad to see.
He does well with the deuce, however, and dictates from the back of the court to hit deep into the corners and eventually make it 2-1.
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Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a forehand during the Men's Singles Third Place Playoff match against Novak Djokovic (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Image credit: Getty Images
DJOKOVIC 1-1 NADAL
Nadal opens up with a delightful backhand drive to wrong-foot Djoko.
Two break points for Rafa, Djoko hits back and then tries to take it to deuce from the net, but an impeccable forehand pass gives Nadal his first break.
DJOKOVIC 1-0 NADAL
Djokovic is really testing Rafa's legs, he's getting on the end of everything. Rafa just cannot contain him right now and is broken to open the second set.
Rafa frustrated.
DJOKOVIC TAKES FIRST SET
And that's a wrap on the opening set. Pretty dominant from Djokovic, perhaps expected given he has had significantly more minutes on court than Rafa in recent months.
Nadal lining up for some shots you're used to seeing him sink with aplomb, but instead they've flown wide, long, into the net.
Still, an enjoyable contest between the two greats.
DJOKOVIC 5-2 NADAL
Djokovic in his stride as Nadal broken for the second time. Novak to serve for the set.
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Rafael Nadal of Spain looks on as he takes a break during the Men's Singles Third Place Playoff match against Novak Djokovic (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Image credit: Getty Images
DJOKOVIC 4-2 NADAL
Every now and then we get flashes of the brilliance we became accustomed to seeing between the two. Rafa's forehand onto Djoko's backhand, vintage stuff.
Two game points for Novak but a sensational forehand down the line cuts the advantage.
But Djoko wraps it up with an ace.
DJOKOVIC 3-2 NADAL
Nadal charges into a 30-0 lead but the lack of match sharpness again prevalent. Hits out before a duo of double faults.
He regains his composure to take it to deuce, before sending Djokovic dancing around the court and breaking him down with a stunner of a drop.
Some big hitting at the back sees Novak forced into hitting into the net.
DJOKOVIC 3-1 NADAL
No doubting Rafa can't quite get the same purchase on his groundies these days. But he puts up a staunch defence at 0-40, only to be met by an absolute tub-thumper of a forehand by the running Djokovic.
DJOKOVIC 2-1 NADAL
Some delightful strikes coming from Djokovic at the back of the court. But Nadal puts up a fight with some dynamic play - an immaculate approach off the serve before rattling off an ace.
Another strong serve wraps up the game at 40-15 - Rafa on the scoreboard.
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Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts during the Men's Singles Third Place Playoff match against Novak Djokovic (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Image credit: Getty Images
DJOKOVIC 2-0 NADAL
It may well be an exhibition, but Nadal is still holding himself to high standards and getting frustrated by his unforced errors.
Djokovic wins three straight points to go 40-30 on serve, but Nadal forces deuce as Djoko tries to be cheeky with a sliced drop.
The Serbian takes advantage but double faults, but makes no mistake at the next opportunity, hitting a delicious running forehand down the line to hold and grasp a 2-0 lead.
DJOKOVIC 1-0 NADAL
They're putting the feelers out, hitting deep early doors. Rafa clips wide off the net before hitting long. But the 22-time Grand Slam champion chalks it back to 30-30.
Nice rally as Rafa looks to forge ahead but it goes into the net. Djokovic then follows it up with a magnificent short return which Rafa opts to not test his legs for.
RAFA TO SERVE
He wins the toss, and opts to serve.
It's their first meeting since their second-round clash at the Paris Olympics earlier this year - where Djokovic went on the claim elusive gold.
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Djokovic and Jokic celebrate in Belgrade as Serbia welcomes Olympic heroes home
Video credit: SNTV
RAFA, DJOKO ON COURT
We wondered what tennis in Saudi Arabia may look like. Seemingly it involves impressive light shows and LED court theatrics.
Holograms of the tennis greats are projected above the net, and here they come! Djokovic and Nadal walk out to grace the singles court together for the final time.
Who's cutting onions?
PEP LAUDS BIG THREE
Sporting greatness recognises fellow sporting greatness.
He told Sky Sports: “I absolutely cannot compare myself with those three. Lions. Legends. I have heart but I don’t take a racket and hit the ball. Sitting on the bench is much, much easier."
Read more here.
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10 MINUTES TO GO
There's no doubting that Djokovic has to be the favourite here, but wouldn't it be great to see some vintage Rafa as he edges closer to signing off an incredible tennis career?
A FAREWELL TO A MAGNIFICENT RIVALRY
This will be the 61st meeting between Djokovic and Nadal - and an emotional one, with the magnificent rivalry between the pair coming to an end in Saudi Arabia.
From the near six-hour clash between the two in the 2012 Australian Open final, to Nadal's dominant 2020 Roland-Garros final triumph, to their meeting back on clay at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, there have been some unforgettable match-ups between the two sporting legends over the years.
One last dance in Riyadh tonight. Find out all the details on their H2H record below!
DJOKO EYEING MORE GLORY
At the ripe age of 37, there's no let up for Djokovic, who wants another Grand Slam title to become the player with the most major singles tennis titles.
He is currently tied with hall-of-famer Margaret Court on 24 Grand Slams - and unlike his opponent in Riyadh today, retirement is not on his horizon.
WHO WILL TAKE THIRD PLACE?
Hello and welcome to this evening's coverage of the third-place play-off between two tennis greats: Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic in Riyadh.
The countdown to Nadal's farewell at the Davis Cup is dwindling, with the Riyadh showcase one of few remaining opportunities to see the King of Clay in action.
Who will prevail in Saudi Arabia? Stay tuned for all the updates.
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Rafael Nadal of Spain acknowledges the fans applause after his Semi Final match defeat against Carlos Alcaraz (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Image credit: Getty Images
What is the Six Kings Slam?
The Six Kings Slam is a lucrative six-player tennis exhibition event that will take place from October 16-19 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
It is a single-elimination tournament, with two of the six players getting first-round byes.
There will be two matches played on both the first two days, followed by a rest day, and then the third-place match and final on Saturday, October 19.
Who is playing the Six Kings Slam?
The six players competing at the Six Kings Slam are Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, and Holger Rune.
That's four of the top five in the ATP rankings, including current world No. 1 Sinner.
It will be one of the final events of Nadal's career after he announced he will be retiring following the Davis Cup Finals in November.
The Six Kings Slam will be the first time Nadal has played since the Paris Olympic Games, after withdrawing from the US Open and Laver Cup.
Djokovic and Nadal have both got first-round byes, meaning they will play their opening matches on October 17.
Six Kings Slam schedule
- October 16: Medvedev v Sinner, Rune v Alcaraz
- October 17: Djokovic v Medvedev or Sinner, Nadal v Rune or Alcaraz
- October 19: Third-place match: Djokovic v Nadal; final - Sinner v Alcaraz
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