Five standout matches in Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic’s iconic rivalry

Rafael Nadal (38) retired from tennis on Tuesday, when Spain were knocked out of the Davis Cup, ending a career which brought him 22 Grand Slam titles and an epic rivalry with Novak Djokovic (37).In the longest-ever Grand Slam final at five hours and 53 minutes, Djokovic came back from 4-2 down in the fifth set. It was the third successive Grand Slam final that Djokovic and Nadal had contested, and saw the Serb extend his winning streak over Nadal to seven straight matches.

“I think it comes out on the top because, just the fact that we played almost six hours is incredible,” said Djokovic when asked if it had been his greatest-ever match.

An exhausted Nadal added: “Physically it was the toughest match I ever played.”2012 French Open final
Nadal 6-4, 6-3, 2-6, 7-5

In a final that was played over two days due to several rain delays, Nadal hit 34 winners to 29 unforced errors, and led by two sets and a break before the Serb took eight consecutive games and a 2-1 lead in the fourth set, with a break, into Monday.

When play resumed, Nadal broke back and went on to wrap up victory in three hours and 49 minutes for what was his seventh title in Paris.

“It is an honour and for me the most important tournament, the greatest in my eyes. This is an unforgettable moment,” said Nadal.

Djokovic added: “The playing conditions were not good. But it’s not anybody’s fault, and it’s not the reason why I lost today.”

2013 French Open semi-final
Nadal 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 6-7(3), 9-7

Djokovic was trying to become the eighth man to complete the career Grand Slam while Nadal was bidding for an eighth title in Paris. Djokovic had earlier in the season defeated the Spaniard on clay in Monte Carlo, ending Nadal’s 46-match win streak.

In the Roland Garros semi-final, Nadal was 6-5 up in the fourth set and two points from victory but Djokovic hit back and then led 4-2 in the final set before Nadal dug deep to triumph after four hours and 37 minutes.

“I want to congratulate Novak, he’s a great champion and he will win here at Roland Garros one day, I’m sure,” said Nadal.

Djokovic added: “It’s been an unbelievable match but all I can feel now is disappointment. I congratulate him, that’s why he’s a champion.”