Emotional Novak Djokovic in moving speech to Rafael Nadal and his family

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal faced off for the final time in the Six Kings Slam on Saturday, with the former getting the better of his rival in straight sets

An emotional Novak Djokovic bid farewell to Rafael Nadal following their last singles match against each other at the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Serb emerged victorious with a 6-2 7-6 win over his long-standing adversary, securing third place at the event, just before Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz's final showdown.

Both Djokovic and Nadal have earned a minimum of £1.2million for their participation, with Nadal set to retire after the upcoming Davis Cup finals.

After their climactic match, Djokovic was full of praise for Nadal's impact on tennis, saying: "I don't know where to start. I'll go back to the very first match that we played against each other, back in 2005, I think it was. Who would know that we are standing here almost 20 years later with more than 60 times that we face each other on the biggest stage in this sport?."

Djokovic continued to express his deep respect: "I have the utmost respect for you. Incredible athlete, incredible person. You know, the rivalry has been incredible, really, and has been very intense."

Looking ahead, Djokovic mused about future interactions away from the court: "So I hope that we'll have a chance to maybe sit on the beach somewhere and have a little drink, reflecting on life, talking about something else, you know.", reports the Express.

He also acknowledged Nadal's support system: "I would like to congratulate all your team and all your family on an amazing career that Rafa has had; it's also your success."

Lastly, Djokovic recognised the sacrifices made by families of athletes: "I know how much sacrifice a family has to put into the career and the life of a professional tennis player."

"I can only imagine the highs and lows that you were going through with him."

"So you deserve this success as much as he does. So congratulations. An amazing, amazing career."

"I mean, it's difficult. I could speak all night, but I don't want to take away too much time. I think Rafa should speak instead of me."

"But once again, it's been an incredible honour, as I told you at the net, an incredible pleasure to share the court with you."

"It's quite an emotional moment, an emotional day. You know, we've been, we've been playing so many matches over so many years, and don't leave tennis, man, stay a little bit more. Stay with us!

"I will finish with one big thank you from not just me but all of the tennis world for what you have done. You have left an incredible legacy."

Despite receiving byes into the final four, Djokovic and Nadal were ousted by Sinner and Alcaraz respectively, while Daniil Medvedev and Holger Rune were also defeated by the eventual finalists in the first round.