In the “Thank you, Rafa” tribute video at the Australian Open, Nadal’s dominance in tennis and his respectful rivalry with Roger Federer are highlighted, as well as his ability to handle pressure and acknowledge Federer’s greatness.

The emergence of Novak Djokovic presented a new challenge, but Nadal continued to compete with grace and sportsmanship.

Rafael Nadal in 2024

Now the world no.153, the Spaniard played his last match on the 29th of July when he surrendered to world no.4 Novak Djokovic 6-1 6-4 in the 2nd round in Paris (draw).

This year the Spaniard owns an overall 12-7 match record. Rafael Nadal’s most significant result of the current season was getting to the final in Bastad.

Novak Djokovic in 2024

At the moment ranked no.4, Novak played his last match on the 13th of October when he surrendered to world no.1 Jannik Sinner 7-6(4) 6-3 in the final in Shanghai (draw).

During this season the Serbian has a compiled 37-9 match record. This year, Novak lifted the trophy in Paris. Novak was the finalist in Wimbledon and Shanghai.

Djokovic will compete next in Paris (Rolex Paris Masters). He will start from the main draw that will commence on the 28th of October.

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic played each other 60 times. Their actual record is 31-29 for Djokovic.