Novak Djokovic performed his final match towards his nice rival Rafael Nadal. The 2 trendy tennis legends confronted one another within the last for third and fourth place on the ‘Six Kings Slam‘ in Saudi Arabia, with the Serbian profitable the primary set. It was simply an exhibition that’s not counted within the official statistics, but it surely was a pleasant option to shut one of the iconic and intense rivalries in tennis historical past. Their final official match must be on the Paris Olympics this summer season, the place Nole gained in two units on the courtroom that made Nadal a dwelling legend.
Whereas Rafa could be very near retirement – which is able to happen subsequent month on the Davis Cup Finals – the Serbian ace continues to be in fine condition even when he has not gained a single title this yr. The 37-year-old from Belgrade has fulfilled his dream of profitable the gold medal on the Olympics, however his stage for a lot of the season was properly under his typical requirements.
The previous world number one has didn’t win the twenty fifth Grand Slam title, however will attempt once more in 2025 hoping that the physique will help him. Novak had a knee operation within the spring and nonetheless makes use of a safety whereas enjoying. After enjoying in Saudi Arabia, followers and insiders are questioning what Djokovic’s subsequent event will probably be. The 24-time Grand Slam champion seems on the entry checklist of the Paris-Bercy Masters 1000, the place he ought to defend his title gained final yr, however his presence continues to be unsure.
Will Nole be in Bercy?
In September – in the course of the Davis Cup tie towards Greece – the legend from Belgrade had opened up the potential of closing early this season to deal with 2025. Regardless of having had a whole lot of difficulties this yr, the Serbian continues to be motivated to compete on the highest stage and desires to shock the world within the coming years.
In a protracted interview with ‘La Nacion’, Nole opened up on his future plans: “I nonetheless really feel that I benefit from the course of and it generates all these advantages for me, so why not do it? Some folks suppose I ought to retire from tennis on the prime: “You gained gold, you gained every part, say goodbye.” Some folks suppose I ought to preserve going so long as I nonetheless suppose I could be the favourite for a Grand Slam. I feel extra like them.”
He additionally added: “Possibly I’ll change my thoughts, I don’t know. For now I really feel like I wish to preserve going. How for much longer? Touring and discovering motivation is turning into harder for me. It’s not straightforward. And even much less so with kids. I don’t wish to be away from residence for therefore lengthy, however I nonetheless have the drive. So I really feel sorry for individuals who need me to retire, as a result of they must see me for some time longer.”
It gained’t be straightforward for Novak – who will flip 38 in 2025 – to maintain up with two true champions like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. The Italian ace and the Spanish champion have defeated Nole Djokovic a number of occasions within the final yr and a half, exhibiting no reverential worry in direction of him.
The 2019 Wimbledon last
In the identical interview, the Serbian ace recalled the well-known 2019 Wimbledon last towards Roger Federer: “Given the circumstances, it was one of the vital moments I skilled. I used to be two match factors down and in the event you take a look at the match statistics, he performed higher than me. He gained extra factors. I don’t suppose I ever broke his serve, aside from that second on the finish of the fifth set.
It was the primary yr that the tie-break was used when the fifth set was 12-12. It was unbelievable. The environment was distinctive all through the match. It was on grass, which was actually his greatest floor, however I’m not that unhealthy on grass both. Individuals who know me know that I’m not at all times calm on the courtroom, however that point I needed to be as a result of it was Federer, it was the ultimate and the stadium was on his aspect.
I mentioned to myself; ‘Nicely, if he hits me an ace, he hits me an ace. He’s excellent. But when I hit the ball, I’m going to make him play, I’m going to do every part to place him able the place he has to suppose that he has to do one thing particular’. I feel that’s when he began making errors and I hit an excellent passing shot on the second match level. And that’s when the match rotated.”