Rafa Nadal thanked Novak Djokovic for making him play beyond his limits as the two great rivals faced off for the final time on Saturday at the Six Kings Slam exhibition event in Saudi Arabia before the Spaniard ends his spectacular career.
Nadal, who will be retiring following next month's Davis Cup Finals, was beaten 6-2 7-6(5) by Djokovic in the third-place match."Thank you Novak for everything for all the moments we shared on court during our careers.
It's been an amazing rivalry," said Nadal, whose men's record of winning 22 Grand Slam titles was broken by Djokovic."In a personal way, you helped me go over my limits during almost 15 years.
Without that, I wouldn't be the player I am today. Congratulations for all the titles and amazing career to you and your team.