Rafael Nadal mirrored on an “superb rivalry” with Novak Djokovic and mentioned he “wouldn’t be the participant he’s at present” after shedding their remaining assembly as professionals.
Nadal, 38, introduced earlier this month that he will retire from tennis on the finish of the season.
Serbia’s Djokovic beat the Spaniard 6-2 7-6 (7-5) of their third-place match on the Six Kings Slam exhibition occasion in Saudi Arabia.
The pair shared a heat embrace on the internet on the finish, whereas Nadal was introduced with a golden tennis racquet as a part of a post-match presentation in Riyadh.
“Thanks very a lot for the entire moments we shared on courtroom throughout all of our careers – now we have had a tremendous rivalry,” mentioned Nadal in an interview carried out on courtroom.
“You helped me to go over my limits so thanks for that, as a result of with out that, I might most likely not be the participant that I’m at present.”
Nadal will signify Spain in his remaining look at subsequent month’s Davis Cup Finals in Malaga.
“What I’ll miss is sort of the whole lot,” added Nadal, who received a report 14 French Open titles and 22 Grand Slams in whole.
“It has been a dream come true to have been capable of play for nearly 20 years, being aggressive and having the prospect to play at the perfect locations on the planet.
“I realised my dream to develop into an expert tennis participant and be a profitable one. I am unable to thank folks sufficient for the help and the love I’ve acquired throughout.”