After battling with Carlos Alcaraz a year ago, Novak Djokovic has embraced his second visit to Saudi Arabia this week, competing at the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh. Novak lost the semi-final duel to Jannik Sinner, falling to world no. 1 6-2, 6-7, 6-4 and arranging the third-place duel with his greatest rival, Rafael Nadal. Novak enjoyed a day off on Friday, exploring the local culture and watching the Saudi Professional League football match between Al Hilal and Al Feiha. Djokovic arrived in Riyadh after competing in the Shanghai Masters final, falling to Jannik Sinner and missing his 100th ATP title. Two great rivals battled in the semi-final of the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh, with the young gun scoring another win over the veteran in just under two and a half hours. The Italian got broken two times but kept the pressure on the other side, securing six return games from 14 opportunities and sealing the deal with three breaks in the decider.
Novak Djokovic, Six Kings Slam 2024© Stream screenshot
Novak Djokovic watched a football match in Riyadh on Friday.
They struggled a bit physically following a demanding campaign in Shanghai, with Jannik limping and Novak asking for treatment on his right shoulder. However, they gave their best and produced an entertaining duel that went down to the wire. World no. 1 had the upper hand in the opening set, delivering four comfortable holds after defending his second serve marvelously. Djokovic got broken in the first service game, falling 2-0 behind and experiencing an early setback. Both players served well in the next five games, with Jannik forging a 5-2 advantage. The Serb served to stay in the opener in game eight and netted a routine backhand, experiencing a break and allowing his opponent to wrap up the opener 6-2.
Novak Djokovic, Six Kings Slam 2024© Stream screenshot
Novak grabbed an early break in the second set before losing the advantage after experiencing a break at love at 2-1. They served well in the remaining games, introducing a tie break. The veteran felt no pressure despite having no room for errors, taking all seven points and gathering a boost ahead of the decider. They traded breaks in the opening games and missed more opportunities on the return in the middle of the set. Sinner grabbed a break in the seventh game and lost it in the next one, keeping the 24-time Major winner in contention. Instead of building on that, Novak suffered another break in the ninth game and experienced a loss when Jannik produced a hold at 15 at 5-4.
المزيد من الصور لتواجد اسطورة التنس نوفاك في ملعب المملكة ارينا @othman1436 pic.twitter.com/JaADCrz9Hu
— Novak Arabian Fans | نوفاك بالعربي (@NoleFan_Ar) October 18, 2024
