Novak Djokovic defeated Rafael Nadal 6-2, 7-6 (5) in the third-place match, and Jannik Sinner defeated Carlos Alcaraz 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-3 to win the Six Kings Slam exhibition on Saturday. In one of tennis’ greatest rivalries, Djokovic and Nadal may have been playing for the last time, but Sinner and Alcaraz likely have a lot of upcoming matches planned.
The match between opponents who have won 46 Grand Slam singles titles between them was won by Djokovic. After competing for Spain in the Davis Cup next month, the 22-time Slam champion Rafael Nadal intends to retire. They hugged one other at the net following Djokovic’s win. He also had a 31-29 edge in their head-to-head match and defeated Nadal at the Olympics.
“The last dance was an epic one,” Djokovic posted on what social media. And naturally, sentimental. (Rafael Nadal) I will always treasure our competition. You’ll be missed by tennis.
Then, in a showdown between the champions of all four major trophies this season, Jannik Sinner triumphed over Alcaraz. After losing all three of their matchups this season, the top-ranked Sinner took home $6 million for the victory. Also read: Tomas Machac tops Carlos Alcaraz in Shanghai Quarterfinals
“Until now, every match was very, very good, but we will always hope this rivalry will last as long as possible,” Sinner stated. In addition to winning the French Open and Indian Wells semifinals, Alcaraz defeated the Italian on October 2 to win the China Open in Beijing. In their head-to-head tour encounters, the Spaniard leads 6-4.
“I will try to do my best every day … to hopefully make this rivalry better and better over the years,” Alcaraz stated. Also read: Wimbledon Tennis Tournament to Replace Line Judges with AI Technology Starting in 2025