Tennis Archives - Page 12 of 13

Recently, on her Instagram Live, Angel Reese came forward to spill her financial troubles. Mocking her WNBA salary, the Sky rookie opined that she wouldn’t have been able to afford her rent if she were only dependent on her salary. While it did spark the WNBA salary debate, especially since the players opted out of the CBA after that, what didn’t sit right with two reporters was the way she taunted her remuneration.

On Sunday’s episode of Come And Talk 2 Me, Kianna Nycole joined hands with Treasure Wilson to take a dig at Reese and how she communicated her salary, which had the fans thinking if the 22-year-old really felt undervalued.

“It was just very right… you know just nonchalant, off the cuff. Like ‘Oh, yeah! I’m living beyond my means.’ Like it’s cute. It’s fun. And so it’s just like… I don’t know… it just left me confused. I feel like confidentiality would have been the best option here. We didn’t need all that especially if it doesn’t seem like you’re necessarily bothered right by it. I just think she could have used her platform in a better way if she wanted to convey some sort of message for sure,” Nycole stated, via Come And Talk 2 Me.

“I just hope y’all know the WNBA doesn’t pay my bills at all. I don’t even think it pays one of my bills, literally,” Reese had confessed on Instagram Live recently. She also divulged that her rent in Chicago (since she must have shifted base once she was drafted by the Sky this season) was around $8,000. Doing quick math, she realized that she pays $96K in rent whereas her salary is less than that.

Wilson agreed with Nycole’s point of view, adding that “there are some girls making less than you. Who are like dang like what you mean like only 74,000 like it, like to me, like and that’s why I’m saying get your money, sis. Get your money because you’re getting that base salary, you’re getting your endorsement, social media.” Plus, Wilson added that it was somewhere tone-deaf.

Additionally, Reese pointed out that, “I’m living beyond my means.” Apart from disparaging her salary, “I don’t even know my salary—74 [thousand]?” Notably, Reese has a four-year deal with the Chicago Sky worth $324,383. As part of the agreement, she would be making $73,439 during her rookie season. Meanwhile, even Barbara Corcoran dismissed her problems.

Barbara Corcoran slams Angel Reese for her rant

Corcoran recently gave an interview with TMZ Sportz where she subtly stated that Reese’s issues didn’t amount to much. For the unversed, Corcoran had founded the Real estate company The Corcoran Group which operated in New York. And one of the marketing plans of the $100 million celebrity was mailing the prospective clients the average price of an apartment in NY. Hence, going by her experience she is the apt person to comment on rent in the USA.

“$8,000 a month in Chicago, she’s lucky she gets a kitchen for it… Thank God she’s not moving to New York. Here, she’d pay $12,000 for the same apartment. So, it could be worse,” Corcoran revealed while expressing that “paying $8,000 a month in the Windy City ain’t too shabby!!”

And now Reese has been checked one more time. While her problems did strike a chord with her fans, they failed to do so with trained analysts and celebs. Hopefully, next time Reese will make sure to express herself in a better way.

TENNIS

Angel Reese teases drastic hairstyle change with sneak peek

Angel Reese has been wearing many hats since winning a national championship at LSU: record-setting WNBA rookie, entrepreneur, an advertiser and sponsor’s dream.

Through it all, Angel Reese has remained unapologetically herself.

So, when she says something, she means it. When she does something, it’s because she wants to. And, according to her latest Instagram Story, it appears she wanted to make a major change.

Angel gave a sneak peek at a drastic hairstyle change.

In a photo uploaded to Instagram, Angel shows of a new blonde ‘do.

You have to respect a bold move.

Angel Reese has been a trendsetter in the WNBA fashion game, so you can be sure people are paying attention when she makes a statement.

Reese’s historic season came to a premature end, but she still made a major impact on the WNBA.

Despite her season being cut short, Reese led the WNBA in rebounds per game (13.1), was named a WNBA All-Star, set a WNBA record for consecutive double-doubles (15), and became the fastest player in league history to reach 20 double-doubles in their career.

Now, we’ll have to wait until January 2025 when Unrivaled tips off in Miami to see Reese return to the court.

TENNIS

‘Absolutely insane’ – Coco Gauff gives instant reaction after being name dropped by Tyler, The Creator in song

Coco Gauff has yet another reason to celebrate, and it has nothing to do with tennis.

The 20-year-old has been on a three-week tournament break as she prepares for the year-end WTA Finals in Riyadh, but has continued to rack up the achievements off the court during this time.

After leading the way among the tennis players named on SportsPro’s annual list of the world’s 50 most marketable athletes last week, Gauff was then given the ultimate surprise just days later.

The American received a mention from rapper Tyler, The Creator in his latest song ‘Thought I was Dead’.

In the single, ahead of the release of his upcoming album ‘Chromakopia’, Tyler raps: “B****, you ain’t Coco Gauff, you can’t serve me.”

And it didn’t take long for this to come to Gauff’s attention, with the tennis star known to be a huge fan of the musician.

Replying to a teaser of the track’s music video on X, the world number three gushed: “waking up to my name being mentioned in a tyler song… absolutely insane. thank you.”

Gauff also shared a clip of Tyler’s reference on her Instagram story, alongside the caption: “What Tyler said.”

The shout out would undoubtedly have been a dream come true for the US tennis sensation, who has made no secret of her love for the artist in the past.

In November 2023, Gauff attended the annual Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival music festival, which was founded by Tyler.

Whilst at the event, she was also pictured wearing a varsity jacket from Tyler’s ‘Golf Le Fleur’ lifestyle brand.

And while the 2023 US Open Champion was clearly thrilled with the name-drop, some users online were quick to point out the facts surrounding the rapper’s ‘serve’ reference.

Gauff herself has identified the shot as an area for improvement, having admitted that she would be focusing on developing it with new coach Matt Daly, who specialises in grip changes.

In her last outing, a semi-final defeat to Aryna Sabalenka at the Wuhan Open, Gauff served an astonishing 21 double faults.

This detail was not lost on fans, who quickly highlighted this in their analysis of Tyler’s lyrics.

One wrote: “I would’ve picked another player.”

Another added: “lmao the irony of using her serve as a flex. He clearly doesn’t watch tennis.”

With one tournament remaining of her 2024 season, Gauff will be hoping an improved serve can help her to end the year on a high at the WTA Tour finals, which begin in Riyadh on Saturday, November 2.

Her previous best in the competition came last yea, reaching the semi-finals, and the American now has a shot at going one further as she targets a strong finish to a tough year.

Despite tournament wins at the Auckland Open in January and the China Open earlier this month, Grand Slams have proved less successful for Gauff this term.

She suffered semi-final defeats at both the Australian and French Open, while she crashed out of both Wimbledon and the US Open in the fourth round.

TENNIS

Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal & Roger Federer leave Casper Ruud baffled: ‘I just don’t understand’

Casper Ruud has admitted he does not understand how the domination and longevity of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer is possible.

The three-time Grand Slam finalist also conveyed particular disbelief at the way Nadal “never let the emotions get to him for like 20 years.”

Djokovic, Nadal and Federer have won an astonishing 66 Grand Slam titles between them, having secured 24, 22 and 20 respectively. The trio make up the top three for the most men’s majors won in the history of tennis.

From Federer’s first Grand Slam triumph at the 2003 Wimbledon Championships to Djokovic’s most recent at the 2023 US Open, the Big Three won all but 15 of the 81 majors held.

Federer called time on his career in 2022, while Nadal is set to retire following the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga next month, leaving Djokovic as the only remaining Big Three member.

Speaking on an episode of the Nothing Major podcast, Ruud expressed the awe with which he regards Nadal, Djokovic and Federer.

“Rafa’s always like — doesn’t swear on court,” the world No 7 said. “He never threw a racket. He never let the emotions get to him for like 20 years which for me is just like… how is it possible?

“I’ve understood how crazy it is from Rafa, Roger, and Novak, that they performed every single year for like 17, 18 years. They’ve been so good.

“How have they been able to keep the motivation up? How they’ve been able to be strict with themselves? How have they been able to win like 70 matches every year? Year in, year out.

“I just don’t understand how it’s possible. It’s one thing to do it three, four, or five years. But for them it’s been almost 20 years of pure domination.”

Ruud lost his only career meeting with Federer, while he holds an 0-2 record against Nadal and a 1-5 record against Djokovic — who he defeated in the pair’s most recent encounter at this year’s Monte Carlo Masters.

Two of the 25-year-old Norwegian’s three losses in Grand Slam championship matches came to Nadal and Djokovic at the French Open in 2022 and 2023 respectively.

Ruud will face Jordan Thompson in his opening match at the Paris Masters this week.

TENNIS

Paris Masters 2024: Why Are Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic Not Playing the Marquee ATP 1000 Event?

The final ATP Masters 1000 tournament of the 2024 season is currently underway in Paris! Two in-form young guns, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, have already tightened up their seatbelts for yet another scintillating show. But what about Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic? Well, Paris has been a happy hunting ground for Nadal, but his most remarkable performances have come on the clay courts. Whereas the 37-year-old, who is the defending champion, holds the record for most Masters titles (40) in Paris. But both these high-profile players have chosen to not participate in the tournament. Reason?

Novak Djokovic is the most high-profile player to withdraw from the 2024 Paris Masters. He has won this tournament seven times in his career and this is the first time he’ll miss this event since 2020. In a social media post dated October 23, Novak Djokovic said, “Unfortunately, I won’t be playing the Paris Masters this year. I have a lot of great memories, winning seven titles and I hope to be back with you next year. Sorry to everyone who was hoping to see me there,” without specifying a reason for his absence. Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz will lead the field at this year’s tournament in Djokovic’s absence.

Djokovic is still in the race to qualify for the season-ending ATP Finals in Turin next month. He’s currently placed at the sixth spot in the Live ATP Race rankings. As things stand, Djokovic could also opt to call it quits for 2024 and look forward to winning his 25th Grand Slam title in at the AO next year. For the first time since 2017, the Serb will end the season without a Grand Slam title. However, he did have some fond memories of Paris at the Olympics this year! Is it really the end of Djokovic’s season?According to John McEnroe, “I can see him (Novak) going either way. He has an unreal record in that event [ATP Finals]. My gut is he does not play rest of year.”

On the other hand, Recently, Cedric Pioline, director of the Paris Masters, contacted Rafa to offer a wildcard, but he revealed that Nadal is currently focusing on his farewell at the Davis Cup. This will be his third absence from a major tournament this year, following the French Open and the Olympics. Well, Rafael Nadal has already announced his retirement and stated that the Davis Cup in November will be the last tournament in his illustrious career. According to Cedric Pioline,

“I asked if there was any interest, but the answer was very clear: he has decided to play the Davis Cup Final 8 in Malaga as his last event and he will not play an official tournament until then.” Nadal has played in this tournament nine times in his career, but has managed to progress beyond the quarter-finals just once! Moreover, he missed the Paris Masters for 11 out of 20 times, and in his nine appearances.

Talking about events, if we take a look at the upcoming events, Novak Djokovic has already given a hint about his next goal. Is he hungry to bring home his 25th major title? “I still want to make more history and enjoy myself on the tour. I still hope to inspire many young people to watch tennis, play tennis. Those are some of the reasons why I still keep on going,” said Djokovic. So, Djokovic is not stopping any sooner, but what’s his next mission?

Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic — 2K31J4K London, UK. 24th Sep, 2022. 23rd September 2022; O2, London England: Laver Cup international tennis tournament: Novak Djokovic of Team Europe speaks with Rafael Nadal and Rodger Federer during the break in their doubles match against Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock of Team World Credit: Action Plus Sports Images/Alamy Live News

“Grand Slams are the pillars of our sport. They are ‘the’ most important historical tennis events that we have. So if you don’t get pumped and inspired to play your best tennis at Grand Slams, it’s hard to do that anywhere else,” he added. Perhaps this is the answer to all our queries on Djokovic’s upcoming goals! What about Rafael Nadal? What is the 38-year-old Spanish star expecting from his farewell tournament in Malaga?

“I don’t believe in fairy tale endings” – Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal’s 23-year-long career was not just about tennis! It showed us how resilience can overcome all the hurdles in our lives. It inspired several youngsters to take up this racquet sport seriously and build a career in tennis. The moment he steps onto the court in Malaga to take part in the Davis Cup, he’ll perhaps be getting a flashback of each of his memories right from becoming a pro player in 2001 to hanging up his racquet at this iconic team event. What a moment it’d be for him and his family! Reflecting on his expectations from the Davis Cup during an interview with AS, Rafael Nadal said,

“For a while now, I haven’t expected much from my final matches because you start to understand how difficult everything becomes. I don’t believe in fairy tale endings. Almost no one gets them, because in sports, it’s hard to finish on top unless you’re completely healthy and can win but just don’t enjoy it anymore.” With Roger Federer already hanging up his racquet in 2022, Nadal also announcing his departure at the end of this season, can Novak Djokovic carry forward the legacy of the ‘Big Three’ for a few more seasons? According to Rafa,

“As for Djokovic, I’m not sure. It’s human nature that, even if Novak stays healthy, he’s getting older, and at some point, the clock catches up with everyone. At some point, I think Novak will also experience a dip in motivation and step aside. It happens to everyone. Novak is good enough that if he stays healthy, he can still compete at the highest level and aim for the biggest titles. If he keeps enjoying it, he’ll keep going.” Do you think Novak Djokovic will make a strong comeback by winning a major title in the 2025 season?

TENNIS

Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek’s Frustrations Resonate as Retired Tennis Star Shines Spotlight on a Persistent Tennis Issue

The intense and overflowing schedules of the ATP and WTA tours have ignited a fiery debate among players and fans alike. Rising stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek have already voiced their concerns about the grueling demands of the tour, and now they have gained an unexpected ally in former tennis player CoCo Vandeweghe. Vandeweghe’s candid critique of the harsh scheduling adds weight to the conversation, raising crucial questions about player well-being.

Over time, the role of WTA’s “mandatory” events has changed dramatically. WTA players are obligated to compete in 21 tournaments annually under the current rules. This consists of ten WTA 1000-level competitions in addition to four major Grand Slam tournaments. Top players must participate in six WTA 500-level tournaments in addition to these 14 well-known events.

During the October 27 live podcast episode of the Tennis Channel, CoCo Vandeweghe discussed the critical problems related to the demanding schedules of the WTA and ATP tours. Vandeweghe offered insightful information about the psychological and physical toll that such rigorous schedules may have on athletes because of her personal experience as a professional athlete.

She stated, “I think, yes, I think it’s becoming too redundant at this point in the schedule where it just, it just keeps happening over and over again. And most of the top players are saying, we’re gonna wait for the finals or we have Billie Jean King cup and they’re, they’re highlighting those important tournaments. So what are the important tournaments out there?”

Previously, prominent tennis players like Iga Swiatek have expressed their frustrations with scheduling issues, which have been a recurring issue in the sport. Swiatek expressed her unease about the overwhelming number of tournaments throughout the season, stating, “I think we have too many tournaments in the season. It’s not going to end well. It makes tennis less fun for us. Obviously, I love playing in all these places, but it’s pretty exhausting.”

CoCo Vandeweghe previously also addressed the WTA’s mandatory events and the new rules implemented by the organization during the TC Live Podcast. “I think it’s ridiculous that the WTA is asking all these players to play these many events. I went through this personally,” she remarked.

Not only that, even Carlos Alcaraz has raised a similar concern, highlighting how the hectic schedule can create a problem for the players.

Carlos Alcaraz’s strong statement on ATP’s hectic scheduling

While the majority of the biggest events have already taken place, the final third of the season is shaping up to be a hectic one for players. Carlos Alcaraz, speaking at the Laver Cup press conference, expressed his feelings about the rushed schedule, noting that the intense back-to-back tournaments can be physically and mentally taxing.

He stated, “I’m the kind of player who thinks there are a lot of tournaments during the year, mandatory tournament, and probably during the next few years gonna be even more tournaments, more mandatory tournaments. So, I mean, probably they are going to kill us in some way (smiling).”

With support from fellow players like Iga Swiatek and insights from former pros like CoCo Vandeweghe, the dialogue surrounding the ATP and WTA’s scheduling practices is more crucial than ever. Moreover, the growing chorus of voices advocating for change highlights the need for a more balanced and sustainable approach for the players.

TENNIS

Angel Reese Loses Out “Best-Dressed’ Title to Seattle Storm WNBA Star Despite Countless Luxury Pre-Game Outfits

“I’m all about normalizing that you can live both lives.” That’s what Angel Reese said, and she has been living up to it in style. The Chicago Sky rookie has become a fashion icon. After averaging 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds per game this season, which was cut short by injury, she turned the pre-game into her own runway show. But it seems like fans are not yet convinced with her fashion.

GQ put up a poll on Instagram featuring Angel and another WNBA star from the Seattle Storm, Gabby Williams. Surprisingly, Gabby Williams snagged a whopping 75% of the votes, leaving Angel with just 25%.

Despite all of Angel’s glamorous pre-game outfits, it looks like fans are all in on Gabby’s style. And she has been serving killer looks, too. During a pre-game, she slayed in a black outfit with a green jacket to add a pop. But her midriff and boots stole the show. But let’s not forget how the Chi-Town Barbie has been leveling up the fashion game. Well, as much as they look nice, their costs will blow your mind.

Remember that stunning white Prada one-piece she rocked at Wintrust Arena before their home matchup? It was accompanied by a mini bag worth more than $4,000. The WNBA star also walked into the arena in a Chanel dress that matched her shoes and purse, both from the same designer brand. And let’s not even get into the glamorous red dress she wore at the VS fashion show, which cost $5,000.

Then, at the Met Gala, she was snapped in a custom look by 16Arlington: a turquoise sequined dress with a deep neckline and feathery mini-skirt. It screamed ‘expensive!’ But this isn’t new for someone who enjoys luxury labels, such as Chanel and Miu Miu.

While saying that Loius Vuitton is one of her favorites, she admits, “I’m a Chanel girl, hands down, let me say that.” But this isn’t fast money. Let us tell you that the 22-year-old has been one of those athletes making the best use of their NIL.

Angel Reese: Building the brand with fashion

Back in her college days, she earned the nickname “Bayou Barbie” (Chi-Town Barbie now). The 2024 rookie’s style isn’t just about the clothes; it’s about sending a message. “I make sure my nails, hair, lashes, and edges are done, and then I take it to the court,” Reese said. “That same girl must still be a competitor and a dog on the court.”

“I’m all about normalizing that you can live both lives — you don’t have to just be an athlete,” she asserted. With 4.4 million followers on instagram, fashion is now more like a business for the hooper. And who wouldn’t agree that considering WNBA’s pay, it is necessary.

Although the GQs Instagram poll says otherwise, LV recognized her fashion game and invited her to Louis Vuitton’s Olympics event. And behind all this is the young star’s stylist, Madison Ledyard. Their journey started with a simple tweet expressing her desire to work with the Bayou Barbie. After Angel responded with an eyeball emoji and a “let’s work,” they have been rocking.

Ledyard has styled Angel for some major events, like the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue release party and the ESPN Upfront event. Also, in recent music video appearance in which Reese wore a baby blue hoodie and camo mini skirt.

Now, as the athlete gears up for the Unrivaled League this January, we can’t wait to see more of her. But, there are people who don’t get her fashion. Let us see if she manages to grab their attention, too!

TENNIS

Angel Reese glows in sunkissed, yellow tank selfies

Angel Reese has had a busy schedule in recent memory — but it looks like she’s finally getting some time to relax.

Tonight, the Chicago Sky forward shared some fresh new selfies, in which, she maintains a glowing, natural look.

In one photo shared to her Instagram Story, Reese looks calm and relaxed in a yellow tank top, and her lush, flowing curls unfurled. The next photo sees Reese in the mirror, with her the back of her tank top rolled up, as she shows off her lower back.

Reese is enjoying a nice, well-earned break before her schedule picks up again. This upcoming week is set to be a stacked one, as she is dropping a hotly anticipated new episode of her “Unapologetically Angel” podcast. This past weekend, she teased an “Unapologetically Angel” guest appearance by Shaquille O’Neal — making for a killer link-up of two generations of GOATS.

NEWS:-Caitlin Clark Humiliates Angel Reese Yet Again in $2.6 M Company’s Latest Revelation

Though Reese’s WNBA rookie season was cut short following a wrist injury, she’s been supporting the ladies through and through. On Sunday night during the WNBA Finals game between the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx, Reese wore a split jersey of each team, in honor of the Unrivaled league’s co-founders, the Liberty’s Breanna Stewart and the Lynx’s Napheesa Collier.

Whether she’s playing the role of WNBA superstar, Bayou Barbie, or selfie queen, Reese always manages to slay, even in her most natural settings.

TENNIS

Caitlin Clark Humiliates Angel Reese Yet Again in $2.6 M Company’s Latest Revelation

Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese Reese’s appearance in the WNBA Finals on Sunday night has caused a stir. And yet, it’s the 2024 Rookie of the Year who has again left the Sky forward in the dust.

SportsPro just released their list of ’50 Most Marketable Athletes,’ and Caitlin Clark ranks at No. 4, right behind Simone Biles, Vinicius Junior, and LeBron James. Reese, meanwhile, is all the way down at 26, behind names like Kelsey Plum, Paige Bueckers, and Breanna Stewart. This makes the Fever rookie the most marketable name in the W, also leaving behind three-time MVP A’ja Wilson.

SportsPro, by NorthStar Solutions Group (Henley as the parent group), is currently valued at $2.6 million. Giving Clark a marketability score of 90.26, Reese comes in at 76.85. Per Axios, “To be considered eligible, an athlete must have been active between Sept. 1, 2023 and Sept. 1, 2024.”

The numbers are especially interesting when one realizes that the Fever guard has a smaller presence on social media in general, whereas Reese does not only make headlines for her offcourt pursuits as well but also has her own podcast, Unapologetically Angel.

Another thing to be noted is that while this rookie class has broken viewership record numbers in the W, the league is still going to lose a substantial $40 million, per Josh Kosman and Brian Lewis of the New York Post. The NBA owns almost 60% of the WNBA, going up to 75% when NBA team owners’ personal stakes are counted. But the W owners are not ready to make any returns on these investments anytime soon.

So even though sellout stadiums have been the norm this season, they have not done much to repay the debt to the NBA yet. And it’s not just the Caitlin Clark effect or her rivalry with Angel Reese. Interest in the league as a whole has grown, which the numbers Finals proved. The Lynx vs Liberty averaged a 0.9 rating and 1.67 million viewers on ESPN in Game 4, the highest in 24 years, whereas a sellout crowd of 18,090 was present at Barclays Center.

But if this marketability list holds true, the WNBA’s 5 current stars and 1 future star might do good for the league just yet. But CC, and Reese for that matter, only made the list because of how NorthStar Solutions Group executives set the parameters. Per one official, Clark might have not made the list at all.

Lack of multiple years of consistent performance almost made Caitlin Clark lose out

After the SportsPro list was announced, more details on how these athletes were chosen came to light. Where LeBron James is the most popular NBA player, Caitlin Clark rules the WNBA on this list. The reasons are clear but SportsPro deputy editor Ed Dixon told Axios that NorthStar Solutions Group used both qualitative research and quantitative metrics to finalize names.

Chris Collins, chief executive ofNorthStar Solutions Group, said, “Somebody like Caitlin Clark, she’s got a lot of momentum behind her as does women’s sports … but she doesn’t have multiple years of consistent performance and consistent achievement. If that’s all we looked at, she would never even rise into a category of some of these longer-term athletes like LeBron or Messi that have been doing this forever.”

Dixon also compared Clark’s arrival in the W to Tiger Woods in golf, which means her visibility is only going to grow, as is the sport. The general unspoken rule is if that a rookie is popular and continues to perform well, their legend only grows; just look at A’ja Wilson. So this is just the beginning of Reese and Clark in women’s basketball, the best is yet to come!

TENNIS

Djokovic Beats Nadal in Last Meeting at Six Kings Slam

Novak Djokovic defeated Rafael Nadal in their final meeting at the Six Kings Slam.

A long and historic rivalry that spanned almost two decades reached its conclusion on Saturday in Saudi Arabia. Novak Djokovic defeated Rafael Nadal in straight sets in the Third Place Match at the Six Kings Slam: 6-2, 7-6.

Djokovic looked sharp in the first set, while Nadal was struggling to land some of his most powerful shots. The second set was far more competitive, with Nadal pushing it to a tiebreak. For a brief moment, it felt like the good old days of the rivalry.

Eventually, the 22-time Grand Slam champion netted his return to end the match. Despite coming up short, Nadal gave fans plenty to cheer about with some of his patented moves and fiery celebrations electrifying the capacity crowd.

After the match, Djokovic said, “The rivalry has been incredible. It’s been very intense. I hope we will have a chance to sit on the beach somewhere and have a drink reflecting on life and talking about something else.”

Djokovic lavished Nadal with praise for his historic career before ending his remarks with one final request, “Don’t leave tennis, man. Stay a little more. Stay with us.”

Nadal was honored with a video tribute and a golden racquet before he addressed the fans. After thanking the crowd and tournament organizers, Nadal turned his focus to Djokovic. “I want to say a few words for Novak and his team. Thank you. For everything. What you said today and all the moments we shared on court.”

Nadal continued, “It’s been an amazing rivalry. 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. I wish you all the best of luck for the future.”

When asked what he would miss most, Nadal said, “I’m going to miss almost everything. It’s been a dream come true to be able to play for almost 20 years. Having the chance to play in the best places in the world. It’s something I watched on tv as a kid. At the end I realized my dream to become a pro tennis player and be a successful one.”

After reiterating his gratitude, Nadal provided a optimistic message for the future of the sport, “We have a great tour and a lot of great people running the sport. I feel very fortunate. I want to thank everyone.”

Of course, the Six Kings Slam is an exhibition tournament and does not count in the ATP record books. But it did provide tennis fans with one final glimpse of a rivalry they may never see again.

Djokovic and Nadal have faced each other 60 times, with Djokovic winning 31 of the matches (not counting today). The two contemporaries had met in all four Grand Slam finals, with Nadal holding a narrow 5-4 lead in major finals.

Before today, the last time they met, Djokovic defeated Nadal in the 2024 Paris Olympics on the clay courts of Roland Garros. Today’s friendly match was more ceremonial than competitive, but it was a fitting end to the “Big Three” era.

Nadal’s career is not quite over, as he plans to retire after the Davis Cup. Meanwhile, Djokovic continues to focus on Grand Slams and ignore the ATP rankings at this point in his career.

Immediately following today’s thrilling conclusion of the Nadal-Djokovic rivalry is a battle between the future faces of the sport. Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz face off in the finals of the Six Kings Slam.

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