Novak Djokovic sent longtime rival Rafael Nadal a moving message after their final career match.

In what could be Rafael Nadal’s last match of his career, a final duel with biggest rival Novak Djokovic was truly fitting.

The pair met in Nadal’s most recent singles match at the Paris Olympics, with the Serb prevailing in straight sets there.

Now in Riyadh for the inaugural Six Kings Slam, the pair battled for 90 minutes in an entertaining encounter.

Despite glimpses of Nadal’s incredible shot-making and vintage fist pumps, Djokovic clinched a comprehensive opener 6-2, before closing the second out in a tie-break 7-5.

An emotional and heartfelt embrace at the net came before Djokovic tried to find the words to sum up Nadal’s magical career.

Having played each other 60 times, excluding exhibitions, the pair have established one of the longest and greatest rivalries the sport has ever seen.

Barely separated in all those meetings, Djokovic’s Olympic win sees him steal the series 31-29.

After presented with his third-placed prize, Djokovic reflected on a truly special rivalry with the Spaniard.

“Now to Rafa, I don’t know where to start,” the Serb admitted. “I’ll go back to the first match we played in 2005 I think it was. Who would know we would be standing here 20 years later more than 60 times we faced each other. I have the utmost respect for you. Incredible athlete. Incredible person.

“I’d like to congratulate all your team and family on the amazing career Rafa had. It’s also your success. I know how much sacrifice the family has to put for a professional tennis player. I can only imagine the highs and lows you went through with him. You deserve this success as much as he does.

“Congratulations. An amazing, amazing career,” the 37-year-old said in what proved to be a considered and heartfelt message.

The Serb concluded: “It’s difficult. I could speak all night. I think Rafa should speak instead of me. It’s been an incredible honor as I told you at the net. Incredible pleasure to share the court with you. It’s an emotional moment.”

The Djokovic and Nadal rivalry is often regarded as one of the greatest in tennis history.

Their contrasting styles – Djokovic’s precise, counterpunching play against Nadal’s relentless aggression – have produced some of the most thrilling matches in the sport.

Spanning over close to two decades their epic battles in Grand Slam finals and Masters tournaments have captivated fans and shaped the modern era of tennis.

While debates about the “best rivalry” are of course subjective, Djokovic vs Nadal stands out for its intensity, longevity, and the sheer quality of their encounters on the biggest stages.