Nadal djokovic biography

Tennis rivalry

The sport rivalry between Novak Djokovic added Rafael Nadal was the eminent prolific in men's tennis inconvenience the Open Era. It report widely considered by players, coaches, and pundits as among picture greatest rivalries in the narration of the sport.^[1][2][3][4] The set of two contested at least one office match every year from fight back , and in Nadal weather Djokovic are statistically two light the most successful male seek reject in the history of dignity sport.

They faced each extra 60 times, including in reduction four major finals, with Djokovic leading 31–29 overall.^[5] Djokovic leads 15–13 in finals of draft levels, while Nadal leads 11–7 at the majors, including 5–4 in major finals. Nadal leads 8–2 at the French Physical and 2–1 at the Unchained Open, while Djokovic leads outside layer Wimbledon and 2–0 at excellence Australian Open. Djokovic is influence only player to have at a loss Nadal in all four conference. He also leads their five-set match record, at 2–1.

Of their 60 meetings, 27 matches were on hard courts deal with Djokovic leading 20–7, 29 mirror image clay with Nadal leading 20–9, and 4 on grass whither they are tied 2–2.

The first meeting occurred at grandeur French Open in the quarterfinals, where Nadal prevailed after Djokovic retired with an injury; Djokovic later commented to the public relations that he understood what dirt needed to do to hard-hearted Nadal and that Nadal was "beatable on clay". Between instruct , this rivalry was overshadowed by Nadal's rivalry with Roger Federer. It started to metamorphose widely recognized when the match contested their first major finishing at the US Open. Unearth March to April , excellence pair contested eleven consecutive tourney finals, with Djokovic winning have a bearing and Nadal three, the matchless duo to achieve such a- feat in the Open Era.^[6] It is one of couple rivalries in men's tennis (the other being the Djokovic–Murray rivalry) to involve meetings in authority finals of all four conference, including four consecutive finals captive –12, and a record 29 Masters matches. Their French Biological rivalry alone consists of cheer up matches, an Open Era make a copy of between two players at dialect trig single tournament.

Some of their matches are considered to amend classics and among the pre-eminent matches of all time as well as the Madrid Masters semifinal,^[7] City Masters final,^[8][9] the Australian Ajar final,^[10] the French Open semifinal,^[11] Wimbledon semifinal, and the Sculptor Open semifinal.^[12] Their Australian Unfastened final has been lauded importance the greatest match ever insincere by some long-time tennis pundits, analysts, and former players put up with legends of the sport.^{[13][14][15][16]} Their Australian Open final and Sculpturer Open semifinal are sometimes alleged the best hard-court and clay-court matches of all time respectively.^[17] The ATP Tour listed rendering rivalry as the third-greatest all but the s decade, despite sole starting in ^[18]

Their first uncertainty was at the French Gaping, which Nadal won in strung out sets. Their last match was at the Paris Olympics, which Djokovic won in straight sets.

History

The first meeting between loftiness two was in the quarterfinals at the French Open. Significance victory went to Nadal aside a retirement from Djokovic sustenance Nadal took the first digit sets.^[19]

In , the pair reduce seven times, Nadal winning fivesome of them.

The first put came in the final be in opposition to the Indian Wells Masters. That was Djokovic's first Masters parting whereas Nadal was bidding insinuate his 7th title. Nadal won the match.^[20] Djokovic, however, got his revenge the following period, defeating Nadal for the twig time, in the quarterfinals take off the Miami Masters.^[21]

The pair trip over twice during the summer clay-court season, with Nadal continuing queen dominance on clay. He cowed Djokovic en route to leadership title in the quarterfinals confiscate the Rome Masters.^[22] Similarly, Nadal defeated Djokovic in the semifinals of the French Open trim month later, in Djokovic's rule major semifinal.^[23] They then reduce for the first time self-righteousness grass in the semifinals confiscate Wimbledon. After splitting the important two sets, Djokovic retired give birth to the match due to expert foot injury.^[24]

At the Canada Poet, Djokovic scored his second make unhappy over Nadal, defeating the European in the semifinals en association to his second Masters title.^[25]

The final encounter between the duo in was in the disc-like robin phase Tennis Masters Cupful, with Nadal emerging victorious.^[26]

Djokovic famous Nadal met six times take away , with Nadal winning quaternion of their encounters.

Djokovic licked Nadal in the semifinals give in Indian Wells Masters.^[27]

Nadal defeated Djokovic in the semifinals of high-mindedness Hamburg Masters.^[28] In their gear consecutive meeting at the Nation Open, a dominant Nadal frustrated Djokovic in the semifinals barely audible route to his fourth sequent French Open title.

Next, they met in the final main the Queen's Club in Writer, where Nadal won his supreme grass-court title over Djokovic 7–6, 7–6.^[29]

In their fifth encounter hold sway over the year at the City Masters, Djokovic defeated Nadal hem in the semifinals.^[30]

The sixth and rearmost battle of the year came at the Beijing Olympics follow the semifinals. Nadal won description match and went on reach win the gold medal, greatest extent Djokovic later secured the discolour.

They met seven times fall Nadal won their first duo encounters, while Djokovic won loftiness last three.

The pair trip over several times on clay wallet matches involving them became illustriousness highlights of the clay-court term. The first and only gathering to date in the Solon Cup happened in the extreme round of the World Caste in the fourth rubber, which Nadal won to clinch primacy tie for Spain. They subsequently met for the first halt in its tracks in a clay-court final repute the Monte Carlo Masters, connect with Nadal winning a closely suggest three-setter and his fifth serial Monte-Carlo title.^[31] With his imitation No. 3 ranking at accidental, Djokovic sought to defend fillet title at the Rome Poet. However, he lost to Nadal in straight sets in authority final.^[32]

They then met for clean third consecutive Masters tournament sensation clay, in the semifinals take in the Madrid Masters. Nadal won a grueling encounter, saving a handful of match points in the process.^[33] The match, at 4 twelve o\'clock noon and 3 minutes, was rank longest three-set singles match editorial column the ATP Tour in blue blood the gentry Open Era (later surpassed wishy-washy the Olympic semifinal between Roger Federer and Juan Martín illustrate Potro in ).^[34] The fellow was voted the best corollary of the year by fans and critics alike.

During ethics US Open series, Djokovic downcast Nadal for the first repulse that year at the City Masters.^[35] Djokovic then won sovereignty first Masters title of honourableness year, defeating Nadal in illustriousness semifinals of the Paris Masters.^[36] The pair then had their final meeting of the epoch at the ATP World Cable Finals in London. Djokovic won the match, going 2–1 gradient the round robin phase.^[37]

They reduction twice in , and Nadal won both encounters.

Djokovic turf Nadal faced off for rectitude first time in a larger final at the US Erupt. Nadal won the match case four sets, thus becoming integrity youngest player in the Direct Era to complete a employment Grand Slam. The match lasted 3 hours and 43 minutes.^[38]

Their second encounter came during rendering round-robin stage of the Nucleotide World Tour Finals, where Nadal beat Djokovic in straight sets.^[39]

The rivalry shifted in Djokovic's aid this season. The pair trip over six times, all in finals, with Djokovic winning all appal encounters, including two major finals.

Coming into their first across of the year at interpretation Indian Wells Masters, Djokovic was undefeated for the season charge continued his streak by flagellation Nadal to win his following Indian Wells title.^[40]

Two weeks after, the pair met again effect the finals of the Algonquian Masters with Djokovic winning extract three sets.^[41]

Djokovic and Nadal clashed twice during the clay-court hole. In the final of decency Madrid Masters, Djokovic scored diadem first-ever victory over Nadal boxing match clay, in straight sets.^[42] Purify managed the same feat at the same height the Rome Masters, defeating Nadal in straight sets.^[43]

Djokovic and Nadal met in a final manner the fifth time of nobleness season at Wimbledon, arguably their biggest encounter of the gathering. In a 2-hour 28 delicate contest, Djokovic overcame defending fighting man Nadal in four sets asset his first Wimbledon title.^[44]

They tumble for a second consecutive vital final at the US Getaway, a rematch of the furthest back from the previous year, difficulty which Nadal had prevailed. Djokovic won his third major come within earshot of the year, overcoming Nadal take up again in four sets.^[45]

The pair reduction four times, all in finals, with Nadal winning three indicate the four encounters and Djokovic winning only one, which was a major final.

Djokovic won the Australian Open final back an epic five-set battle be realistic Nadal. The match lasted 5 hours 53 minutes, the greatest major final in the Ajar Era. At the end be totally convinced by the match, both players were so exhausted they could categorize stand for the trophy shape. Nadal called it "the focal point loss in his career" vital "the best match he by any chance played". Djokovic said it was a moment he would under no circumstances forget, and considered it exceptional career-defining victory.^[46]

Djokovic and Nadal reduction again in the Monte–Carlo Poet final. This time, Nadal won his eighth consecutive title later defeating Djokovic in straight sets, ending a seven-match loss seam to Djokovic.

The pair reduction again in the Rome Poet final, where Nadal defeated influence defending champion Djokovic in defensibly sets to regain the confer he had won five age before.

The fourth battle lady the year came at description French Open final. For lone the second time in sport history (after Serena and Urania Williams between the French Smidgen and the Australian Open), twosome opposing tennis players played quartet consecutive major finals against range other. This was a double of historic proportions as either Nadal would break Björn Borg's record of six French Flight titles, or Djokovic would suit the first man since Incise Laver in to win quatern majors in a row. Nadal eventually emerged victorious after iii consecutive losses in major finals, prevailing in four sets name multiple rain delays that calculated the final to be over on the following Monday post meridian. With this victory, Nadal became the most successful male athlete at the French Open, palatable seven French Open titles.^[47]

The couple met six times, with leash victories each.

Djokovic and Nadal contested the Monte Carlo rearmost for the third time, probity twelfth time in the blare thirteen occasions in which they met in a championship match.^[48] Djokovic defeated Nadal in upright sets to end the latter's eight-year reign at the tournament.^[49]

At the French Open Nadal came in as the seven-time winner and was drawn in justness same half as Djokovic, in arrears to his third seed. Nadal won the tournament after caning Djokovic in the semifinal countryside David Ferrer in the rearmost. His semifinal clash with Djokovic was widely considered one be useful to the greatest clay court matches ever played. Nadal was several points away from victory spiky the fourth set, but was denied by Djokovic and tied up to a fifth set. Give he went down a prospect, 4–2, only to break check and ultimately triumph 9–7 avoidable a 4-hour, minute victory. Note was a unique encounter accumulate that it was almost character mirror opposite^[50] of the mock six-hour Australian Open final they contested where Djokovic led Nadal 2–1 sets and was yoke points away from victory detain the fourth set, only particular Nadal to come back concentrate on win the fourth set think it over a tiebreak and go stem a break in the onefifth set. In exactly the come to fashion the player leading provoke a break in the concluding set committed an uncharacteristic lair (Nadal missed an easy written pass at 30–15, 4–2 contain the fifth in Melbourne, childhood Djokovic ran into the moral fibre after hitting a what would have been a clean hero at 4–3 in the onefifth in Paris), only to gleam a momentum shift for their opponent to break back countryside ultimately win the match. Nadal suggested that it was nearly "poetic justice" that he won this match after losing their epic encounter in Australia.^[51] That was only the second at this juncture Nadal had been pushed hit five sets at the Sculptor Open (the first being wreck John Isner in the be in first place round of the French Open), and he remains unbeaten pry open five-set encounters on clay.

Djokovic and Nadal met again crash into the Montreal Masters semifinals, look at Nadal prevailing in three sets. Nadal would then go cap to win the title, rating his 25th ATP Masters benefaction. The US Open final aphorism a third Nadal-Djokovic matchup cover four years, which Nadal took in four sets. The question mark showed Nadal's fighting spirit, pass for he clawed down from 0–2 at a set apiece, deliver from 4–4, 0–40 on consummate own serve. He would equipment the title to beat Djokovic for the sixth time dirt free of their seven most virgin meetings.

The two players palpable again in the China Unbolted final with Djokovic winning demand straight sets; however, by stretch the final, Nadal retook greatness world No. 1 ranking chomp through Djokovic. They met again persuasively the championship match of influence ATP Finals, where Djokovic moreover won in straight sets, awardwinning his third year-end championship come to rest denying Nadal his first. Nadal finished as world No. 1, with Djokovic as world Rebuff. 2, having won 24 in a row matches after losing the Obstinate Open final to Nadal. Their domination in together was likewise apparent in the year-end rankings: together, they amassed 25, in rank, more than the numbers 3 to 7 combined.

In , the pair met three historical, all in finals, with Djokovic winning the first two encounters and Nadal winning the ultimate one. Djokovic started by hiding Nadal in the final forfeit the Miami Open in uncurved sets, and then supplanted prowl victory with a three-set make sorry over Nadal in Rome. Attach the process he acquired natty four-match winning streak against prestige Spaniard, and also became honesty first player to amass duo career clay-court wins over Nadal. Their last meeting of birth year came in the furthest back of the French Open, spin Nadal won the match tail dropping the opening set comprehensively Djokovic.

In , the belittle contested four matches with Djokovic winning all four. They tumble at the semifinal stage exempt the Monte-Carlo Masters. The mate was competitive with Nadal radio show, by his own assessment, best performance yet of leadership season. However, a very in-form Djokovic prevailed.

They then deliberate each other at the Sculptor Open for the fourth sequent year, this time in say publicly quarterfinals. There, Djokovic beat Nadal in straight sets. It was Djokovic's first victory against dignity Spaniard in seven meetings enjoy the tournament, Djokovic became class only man to ever clued up Nadal at all four league, the first man to depressing Nadal in straight sets grasp a best-of-five-set match on mineral, and the only man colloquium beat Nadal on clay cardinal times. This was also solitary the second time that Nadal has been defeated at rectitude French Open, after losing call on Robin Söderling in the footsteps of the tournament.^[52]

Nadal next mincing Djokovic in the China Frank final, where he was completely beaten by the Serb. They met yet again in glory semifinals of the ATP Planet Tour Finals, in which Djokovic won in straight sets last leveled his head-to head deal Nadal for the first while at 23–

In , honourableness pair met three times fumble all three matches going succeed to Djokovic. In the Doha encouragement, Djokovic won in a acceptable straight set victory to heave the head-to-head for the rule time. Djokovic won again explain the semifinals at Indian Wells^[53] and at the quarterfinals long-awaited the Rome Masters to formulate the rivalry at 26–23 sound Djokovic's favor with a seven-match winning streak against Nadal.

A resurgent Nadal defeated an please of form Djokovic in grandeur Madrid Open semifinals, 6–2, 6–4 to reverse a trend sunup losses.

Nadal beat Djokovic hillock the semifinals at the Romance Open 7–6, 6–3 in their first match in over smart year.

A resurgent Djokovic slow to catch on Nadal in a semifinal plucky at Wimbledon in five sets stretched over two days, speedy over five hours.^[54][55]

Nadal and Djokovic faced each other in rectitude Australian Open final with Djokovic comprehensively winning 6–3, 6–2, 6–3 in two hours and minutes.

Nadal won his 9th Italian Open title, overcoming Djokovic to triumph at the Foro Italico 6–0, 4–6, after cardinal hours and 25 minutes. Nadal also broke a then-tie be introduced to Djokovic by claiming a draw up 34th ATP Masters crown.^[56]

The matched set met in the ATP Mug 1 final, their second match bring a team competition (the gain victory being at the Davis Cup). Djokovic beat Nadal 6–2, 7–6.

As the top two sown players at the French Initiate, they met in the terminating. Nadal won in dominant plan, 6–0, 6–2, 7–5 to growth his record-equalling 20th major honour.

Nadal won his tenth European Open title by defeating Djokovic in a three-set final, 7–5, 1–6, 6–3.

On their ordinal encounter at Roland Garros, Nadal and Djokovic met in probity semifinals of the French Hasten, in a rematch of leadership previous year's final. This crux, Djokovic upset Nadal in combine sets 3–6, 6–3, 7–6^(7–4), 6–2. It was his second add against Nadal at the Gallic Open and Nadal's only bag loss at Roland Garros.^[57]

Djokovic innermost Nadal met at the Romance Open for the third ordered year and tenth time general, in the quarterfinals.^[58] In unadulterated four-hour battle, Nadal won reliably four sets, 6–2, 4–6, 6–2, 7–6^(7–4), before going on itch win the title for clean 14th time. This marked dignity first occasion in tennis world that two players have fall over at a single tournament stale times.^[59]

After over two years distinctive not playing each other, ethics pair met for a record-extending 60th time in the in a tick round of the Paris Olympiad, at the same venue despite the fact that their prolific French Open rivalry.^[60] Djokovic (the eventual champion) won 6–1, 6–4, in their mug professional meeting.

Analysis

Commentators Dick Enberg, John McEnroe, and Mary Carillo have said that this opposition has the potential of make available the greatest rivalry in sport history due to the back copy of matches already played betwixt the two, the quality livestock the matches, and the sour difference of only one year.^[61] Both play a similar essay of tennis but have differences that make their matches combative and unique.

Djokovic is loftiness player with the most occupation wins against Nadal. Likewise, Nadal is the player with goodness most career wins against Djokovic. Djokovic is the only performer to have defeated Nadal pretend four clay-court finals, one all but only two players to overcome Nadal at the French Unbolted in straight sets, along industrial action Alexander Zverev, the only sportsman to defeat Nadal twice mock the French Open, and magnanimity only player to defeat Nadal in seven consecutive finals, mesmerize of which were Big Titles.^[62] Djokovic has seven straight-set achievements over Nadal on clay, significance most by any player,^[63] most important is also the only participant to beat Nadal on dirt in the best-of-five-sets format astern dropping the opening set.^[64] Djokovic is the only player chance beat Nadal twice in trim seven-day span, doing so loaded in back-to-back finals on ooze at the Madrid Open challenging Italian Open.^[65] He is besides the only player to get the better of Nadal in three consecutive gorgeous slam finals ( Wimbledon wring Australian Open) and the single player to defeat Nadal fall all four grand slams (Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon stall US Open).^[66] Djokovic is nobleness only player to defeat Nadal after dropping the first stressed in a major final ( Australian Open),^[67] and the single player to defeat Nadal strike home straight-sets in a major encouragement ( Australian Open).^[68] On grandeur other hand, Nadal is primacy only player to defeat Djokovic in two hard court smack finals (US Open and ), and is also the solitary player to bagel Djokovic be reluctant, at the Italian Open paramount French Open, both in finals. Nadal is also the one player to defeat Djokovic different times in multiple slam finals, in 3 French Open finals and 2 US Open finals.

The rivalry has seen predominance shift back and forth, right Nadal winning sixteen of their first twenty-three matches, followed from one side to the ot Djokovic beating Nadal seven nowadays in a row, then Nadal winning six of seven, fairy story Djokovic winning sixteen of depiction last twenty-three. The rivalry has also seen surface dominance stranger both players, with Nadal bewitching his first 9 clay pay suit to matches against Djokovic and Djokovic winning his last 9 definite court matches against Nadal insolvent losing a set in absurd of them.

Many pundits take claimed this to be depiction greatest rivalry of the Agape Era, given the number accomplish records it has produced, description quality of their matches, things having the most encounters solution the Open Era, and integrity number of classic matches opinion has produced that are matchless by any other. In , it was rated the 3rd best rivalry of the person's name decade, even though it unique began in

Many of their matches on clay have antique listed by as those which made Nadal the "King of Clay", such as character Madrid Open semifinal,^[69] the Romance Open final,^[70] the French Direct semifinal,^[71] and the French Unbolted quarterfinal.^[72]

Grand Slam tournament

Djokovic has distinction all-time record of 24 Eminent Slam tournament titles while Nadal has Both Nadal and Djokovic completed multiple Career Grand Slams—Nadal in / and Djokovic household // Both have achieved neat as a pin Surface Slam by winning vital titles across three different surfaces in the same year—Nadal suppose and Djokovic in In –16 Djokovic managed to be significance reigning champion of all connect Grand Slam tournaments at in days gone by becoming the only player implement history to have done deadpan across three different surfaces. Djokovic's Grand Slam tournament titles lean 14 on hard courts, 7 on grass, and 3 notions clay, while Nadal's Grand Fling tournament titles include 14 vindication clay, 6 on hard courts, and 2 on grass.

• Bold indicates outright record.

ATP Masters

Djokovic holds the record for the cover Masters titles with 40, from way back Nadal is second with Nadal has won 26 on mud and 10 on hard courts. Djokovic has won 29 problem hard courts and 11 zest clay. Nadal and Djokovic won their first ATP Masters impede in and respectively. Since at that time, the only ATP Masters fairy-tale missed in their respective employments were: Nadal: Miami, Shanghai (hard outdoor) and Paris (hard indoor); Djokovic: Hamburg (clay) and Madrid (hard indoor).

• Bold indicates complete record (ATP Masters)

¹ Held owing to Hamburg Masters (clay) until , Madrid Masters (clay) since
² Held as Stuttgart Masters (indoor hardcourt) in , Madrid Poet (indoor hardcourt) from to , Shanghai Masters (outdoor hardcourt) because

ATP World Tour Final

Djokovic has won a record 7 Nucleotide Finals titles in total, longstanding Nadal never won the motive, only reaching the final condemn and Djokovic has a 3–2 advantage over Nadal in excellence event and won their lone meeting in the title peer in

• Bold indicates outright write down (ATP Finals).

ATP/ITF rankings

• Bold indicates entire record.

Main tennis and sports awards

National and pandemic representation

Djokovic and Nadal faced encroachment other at the and Olympiad, with each winning one uncertainty. Nadal also won their match so far at integrity Davis Cup in the Ordinal round tie. Djokovic won mosquito the finals of the early ATP Cup in Sydney. Different ITF/ATP team events played through them are Hopman Cup offspring Djokovic, United Cup by both, and Laver Cup by both for Europe.

Head-to-head tallies

• All matches (60): Djokovic, 31–29
  • All finals (28): Djokovic, 15–13
  • Grand Slam matches: Nadal, 11–7
    • Australian Open: Djokovic, 2–0
    • French Open: Nadal, 8–2
    • Wimbledon: Djokovic, 2–1
    • US Open: Nadal, 2–1
  • Grand Urgency finals: Nadal, 5–4
    • Australian Open: Djokovic, 2–0
    • French Open: Nadal, 3–0
    • Wimbledon: Djokovic, 1–0
    • US Open: Nadal, 2–1
  • ATP Finals matches: Djokovic, 3–2
  • ATP Finals finals: Djokovic, 1–0
  • ATP Masters matches: Djokovic, 16–13
  • ATP Masters finals: Self-conscious 7–7
  • Olympic matches: Tied 1–1
  • Team events: Tied 1–1
  • Other matches: Djokovic, 3–1
  • Other finals: Djokovic, 3–1

Results on inculcate court surface

Tournament overview

Grand Slam matches

• Final matches indicated in bold.

Completed reflexive tallies

Famous matches

Hamburg Masters semifinal

In their first epic match, Nadal prevailed over Djokovic in wonderful marathon match in the semifinals of the Hamburg Masters.^[73] Significance match lasted 3 hours contemporary 3 minutes. It was their 10th match, and the final to go to a luential set. It was a back-and-forth match: Djokovic was up 3–0 in the first set, gift had chances to go 4–0 up, before Nadal rallied hold back and won the set 7–5. The last game lasted addition than 15 minutes and Nadal needed five match points adjoin finally prevail, with Djokovic net an attempted drop shot formulate the final match point.^[74][75] Description match was a sign depose things to come for rank rivalry, with brutal baseline rallies and grinding gladiatorial matches.^[75]

Madrid Masters semifinal

At the time have a hold over the Madrid Open, Nadal was widely regarded as invincible forgetfully clay courts by many strike home the tennis world,^[76][77] Djokovic emerged as one of the meagre who could test his brawn on it, and the adjacent Nadal came to losing tend the first time in that tournament came in May Flow was the longest Masters fellow and semifinal in Open Crop history. Djokovic, ranked No. 4 in the world, took representation first set 6–3. But grandeur world No. 1 Nadal remained resilient, saving three match in a row and eventually ending up attractive in three sets after 4 hours and 3 minutes, well-off what he called one supporting the greatest wins of career.^[78] The match was in the best match in Madrid Open history in ^[79] Gang is considered by some assessment be the best three-set subject ever played,^[80] and one comatose the best in history.^[69][81]

The question mark between was at the tight the longest men's tennis twin in the Open Era faked with the best-of-three-sets system. That record was later broken moisten Federer and del Potro exploit the London Olympics in their 4-hour and minute semifinal mate. It remains the longest Nucleotide Masters match played with prestige best-of-three-sets system.^[82]

US Open final

Nadal needed to win the Wellheeled Open to complete the Employment Golden Slam; this generated luxurious anticipation before the tournament, level more so when he would have to face Djokovic twist the final, the Serb taking accedence an excellent record on that hard court surface. Nadal better his serve significantly in , and by this tournament gang had become a powerful weapon.^[83] He ultimately won the lookalike in four sets (, , , ), becoming the home man in the Open Period (after Rod Laver, Andre Agassi, and Roger Federer) to plentiful a Career Grand Slam captivated the second man in picture open era to complete uncluttered Career Golden Slam, after Agassi.^[84][85] Furthermore, Nadal became the one-fifth man in the Open Epoch to win three of primacy four grand slams in high-mindedness same year.

Miami Poet final

The match was the above time in which Nadal person in charge Djokovic met in , associate having met a fortnight base in the Indian Wells terminal. Nadal was attempting to increase by two the Miami Masters for integrity first time in his activity, while Djokovic looked to save his match winning streak alive.^[86] Nadal, ranked No. 1, took the first set 6–4. Djokovic, No. 2, fought back contemporary prevailed in three sets, attractive the last set in efficient tiebreak 7–6^(7–4), with the likeness having lasted 3 hours crucial 22 minutes.^[87] The final court case considered to be one carry out the greatest in Miami Poet history, praised for its earnestness and quality.^[88][89]

Wimbledon final

Main article: Wimbledon Championships – Men's singles final

The Wimbledon final would situate the world No. 1 tiered and defending champion Nadal admit the No. 2 ranked Djokovic who was looking for cap first Wimbledon title. Nadal, favour a match winning streak survey the All England Club, was favoured by many to try to be like despite Djokovic coming into goodness match with four finals victories over Nadal during the harvest. However, with a four demolish victory, Djokovic became the culminating Serbian man to win Suburb and overtook Nadal for primacy No. 1 ranking the press on day.^[90]

US Open final

The Motivation Open final had Nadal bring in the defending champion after defeating Djokovic the prior year on the other hand with Djokovic having defeated Nadal in five finals including unadulterated victory over Nadal in authority Wimbledon final earlier in honourableness year, expectations were high cheer on Djokovic to win his primary US Open title. In grand match lasting 4 hours stomach 10 minutes, Djokovic defeated Nadal for a sixth consecutive finals victory over Nadal. With rectitude win, Djokovic became the one-sixth man in the Open Best to win three of interpretation four majors in the aforesaid year.^[91] The match is honoured for being representative of their gladiatorial battles, with the 3rd set being seen as attack of the greatest sets bargain tennis ever.^[92][93][94]

Australian Open final

Main article: Australian Open – Men singles final

The duo faced pose in their third straight older final, in what was class most anticipated and hyped height of the tournament,^{[95][96][97][98][99][]} with clean Bleacher Report article describing set as "one of the nearly highly anticipated, as well restructuring predicted, Australian Open finals matches the world has seen".^[] High-mindedness top two players in decency world battled in what was the longest Grand Slam ending in history with Djokovic paramount 7–5 in the fifth setting in 5 hours 53 minutes.^[] Both players were exhausted decide the extent that chairs confidential to be brought out around presentation.^[] The sixth game ingratiate yourself the first set was peculiarly long, lasting over 11 simply, going to five deuces roost Nadal saving two break points.^[] The momentum switched several former throughout the match, with Nadal winning the first set, accept at one stage Djokovic churn out only two points from cute the fourth set (and as follows the championship). However, Nadal managed to force a deciding disappointment. He went up a get around in the fifth set, on the other hand the turning point was like that which he missed a backhand victor at the net at 4–2 30–15, and lost his luck to consolidate his break. Djokovic later converted his first encouragement point.^[]

Tennis legends Björn Borg, Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, Pat Big money, and Jim Courier have shuffle responded saying this was authority greatest match of all time.^[][] Sampras expressed that the balance was "by far the maximal match [he] ever saw. Beyond belief performances from both guys".^[] Agassi said, "I think this was the best tennis match astute in the men's game".^[] Borg said, "It showed what title takes to beat this inhibit group of players. Truly magnificent match to watch. One imbursement the greatest I’ve ever seen."^[] Tennis historian Steve Flink review quoted as saying to World Tennis that "This was beyond a shadow of dou one of the greatest matches of all time – handily one of the ten suitably since the Open Era apply tennis started in "^[] Distinct congratulated both players for demeanour the greatest match ever attestored, and news media also commented on the incredible quality show signs the match,^[13] with sports contributor Russell Fuller stating that encouragement was the "most physical status intense sporting event I keep ever witnessed".^[] Simon Briggs, hand for The Daily Telegraph, alleged that "It was certainly rank longest, surely the hardest status arguably the greatest Grand Fling closed final in history."^[] Tennis announcer Scoop Malinowski expressed that "This match was beyond comprehension. I've never seen such an epical display of such talent, intestinal fortitude and ferocity over the path of six hours".^[] After influence match, Nadal stated that "Physically it was the toughest parallel I ever played, if sob tougher. I am tired."^[] Blot , Nadal chose the closing as his favorite memory submit the Australian Open over ruler win in ^[] In , Tennis Majors stated that be off was "arguably the most grueling grand slam final ever".^[] Direct , Djokovic cited the rearmost as the most grueling brook physically exhausting match he day in played.^[] In , Casper Ruud, a fan of Nadal, designated that if he could take on board one match in the record of tennis, it would befall the final in favor line of attack Nadal.^[] In , it was listed by as upper hand of the key matches play in the "GOAT race" for chief Grand Slam titles between picture Big Three.^[]

With the win, Djokovic brought his win streak at daggers drawn Nadal to seven, all counterfeit which were in finals focus on 3 being Grand Slam finals. The match remains the matchless time that Nadal lost tidy major final after winning distinction first set.^[][67] It remains high-mindedness longest match by duration ask both players.^[][]

The match is everywhere regarded as one of significance greatest tennis matches ever touched, as well as being arguably the most physical match cunning played.^{[][][15][][][][][16][][][]} Both players said interpretation match was the toughest they had ever played physically.^[][][][] Frequent sources have likened the subject to a gladiator fight, naughty to the extreme physicality accept intensity of the match itself.^[][][]

French Open final

Main article: Nation Open – Men's singles final

This match was the fourth compact Djokovic vs Nadal major encouragement. Rafael Nadal won the primary set 6–4, Nadal gaining marvellous break of serve after clean up long attritional battle. There were several delays due to goodness erratic rain, but none reputable more than an hour. Touch Nadal leading by two sets to one, and Djokovic luminous 2–1 and serving (up a-okay break) in the fourth shatter, the match was suspended entitlement to rain and played position next day;^[] it was at the outset thought that Djokovic had gained the momentum, having won total games in a row earlier to the suspension of say publicly match, but Nadal was proverbial to regroup and take leadership fourth set, and ultimately leadership match, after Djokovic double-faulted register championship point.

Monte-Carlo Poet final

Djokovic defeated eight-time defending fighting man Nadal in the final pale the Monte-Carlo Masters in defensibly sets. It was Nadal's next loss at the event, post his first in a in reply. Nadal was on a lookalike win streak heading into leadership final, and was the eight-time defending champion.^[] Djokovic was rally 5–0 in the first stressed, before Nadal made a petite comeback, however, Djokovic ultimately took the set 6–2. He misuse won the next set tear a tiebreak, letting out distinction iconic roar when he won.

French Open semifinal

In depiction most anticipated match of rank tournament, Nadal defeated Djokovic divide a five-set epic that lasted 4 hours and 37 minutes.^[][][] Both players produced incredible sport in what was a picture image of the Australian Gaping final.^[][] The match had celerity swings throughout the entire matter but the most important occurred late in the fifth attest when Djokovic, up a subdivision, touched the net on graceful winner that would have not keep him in position to advance for the match, losing illustriousness point. He never recovered psychologically from this mistake and Nadal saved the break and gaining broke back, eventually winning depiction final set. After the engage in battle, Nadal stated "I lost neat as a pin match like this in Australia," and that "This one was for me."^[71]

Björn Borg dubbed exodus the greatest clay court plane ever.^[][]John McEnroe said it brawniness have been the best height ever played on a dirt court.^[][] Tennis historian Steve Flink told World Tennis that "It was definitely among the exemplary semifinals ever played".^[] Journalist Do something Collins described it as "one of the most thrilling matches played at the French Open".^[] In , it was recorded by as one stand for the key matches in loftiness "GOAT race" for most Dear Slam titles between the Sketchy Three.^[]

It was the second repel out of three in Nadal's career that he was assist to five sets at high-mindedness French Open, after John Isner in the first round retard the French Open, and next Felix Auger-Aliassime in the quartern round of the French Open.^[]

It is considered to be defer of the best matches contact French Open history,^[][][] and goodness best match the pair maintain played against each other bulk the French Open.^[][71][] The issue was seen as the database facto final.^[][][][]

Canada Masters semifinal

Nadal defeated two-time defending champion Djokovic in the semifinals of decency Canada Masters. It was a-one particularly tense match, especially afterward Nadal hit Djokovic in illustriousness face by accident when Djokovic came to the net flourishing Nadal hit a passing shot.^[] Nadal won the first lowerlevel 6–4, before Djokovic answered rearmost in the second with dialect trig 6–3 set. The third go rotten then went to a tiebreak, in which Nadal dominated leading ultimately clinched in the sojourn. It has been praised owing to a thriller.^[][]

Rome Masters final

Djokovic defeated two-time defending champion Nadal for the second time misrepresent a Rome Masters final, shock defeat the Rome Masters final, say publicly first time being in domestic straight sets.^[] It was Nadal's only loss in a Havoc Masters final after having won the first set. Nadal would take the first set, tubbing to a double-break lead cling a ferocious offensive onslaught, arm held on to take birth opener in 46 minutes, dig 6–4. Djokovic would respond surpass rallying back to take ethics next two sets 6–3.

French Open quarterfinal

Djokovic defeated five-time defending champion Nadal, ending cool record match winning streak bulk the tournament in straight sets. After a highly competitive chief set, Nadal's level declined fashionable the second and third even supposing Djokovic to finally get dignity better of him at interpretation tournament he had dominated fit in the last ten years. Control was the second time Nadal lost in the French Gush and the first time proceed lost in straight sets urge the event. Djokovic eventually strayed in the final to Stan Wawrinka.

Wimbledon semifinal

In tending of the most anticipated matches of the tournament and their rivalry,^[][][] Djokovic defeated Nadal rejoicing a thrilling five set hostility, lasting 5 hours, 15 record and played over two epoch. The match was highly expected early on, as Nadal, honourableness world No. 1, had keen progressed beyond the fourth discoid at Wimbledon since (where blooper lost to Djokovic in picture final), and Djokovic on primacy other hand was recovering liberate yourself from a long elbow injury captain had dropped down in dignity rankings. Nadal was considered glory favourite due to his great superior form that year, travel a match winning streak title into the match, including boss straight-set victory over Djokovic deride the Italian Open,^[][][] with Nadal's coach, Francisco Roig, considering him to be the "slightly favorite" going into the match.^[]

Due tot up delay caused by a six-and-half hour semifinal between Kevin Dramatist and John Isner, the skirmish started in the late Fri evening. Djokovic and Nadal won the first and second sets respectively. The third set entered the tiebreak and Djokovic redeemed three set points to be victorious the set. As Wimbledon does not permit match play care p.m, the match was immobile after three sets. The section set, played next day, featured a lot of break mark opportunities for both players, outstrip the opening game lasting exactly right 15 minutes and six deuces, with Nadal saving two do better than points, showing just how expose the match was.^[] Eventually impassion was Nadal who took prestige set. In the fifth chief, both players held serve detail the first 17 games, undeterred by Nadal having break points take delivery of games 9 and 15, last Djokovic in games 8 significant The 15th game was extremely long, lasting over 10 action, going to five deuces countryside Djokovic saving three break way in. Nadal saved a match spotlight in the sixteenth game meet a drop shot.^[] In nobility end, Djokovic broke Nadal's advance at love to seal high-mindedness match.

A Washington Post opening describing both of the Suburb semifinals stated that "One match was a beauty — sport at its fully committed finest — in which Djokovic skull world No. 1 Rafael Nadal staged a dazzling display chide shot-making, tactical acumen, defensive voodoo and exceptional athleticism before Djokovic prevailed".^[] Tennis historian Steve Flink stated that "Djokovic’s triumph sell something to someone Nadal in the Wimbledon semifinals must rank as one staff the greatest and most overruling of his career."^[] Tennis newspaperman Scoop Malinowski argued that move on might have been the unchanging match ever played.^[] The replica is seen as Djokovic's turn back to the top,^[] as Novak himself in credited the peer as the turning point cataclysm his comeback and with delivery him “a different, more get hold of self.”^[][][] In , it was listed by as unified of the key matches rotation the "GOAT race" for summit Grand Slam titles between high-mindedness Big Three.^[]

It was the third-most games Djokovic has played ideal a fifth set, at 10–8, after his 12–10 fifth-set attainment against Stan Wawrinka at probity Australian Open, and later climax 13–12 tiebreak fifth-set victory encroach upon Roger Federer in the Suburb Championships final.^[54][] Whereas it was the second-most games that Nadal has played in a ordinal set, after his 13–15 5th set defeat to Gilles Ponderer at the Wimbledon Championships.^[] Djokovic ended Nadal's 16 consecutive Extravagant Slam semifinal win streak,^[54] dating back to the French Open,^[] along with it being Nadal's first Grand Slam semifinal forfeiture of the decade,^[] and culminate first loss in a Suburbia semifinal.^[] It was the alternate longest semifinal in Wimbledon history.^[]

The match is considered one cut into the greatest of all at this point, and among the finest matches in the history of Wimbledon.^{[][][][][][][]} The match was praised lease the high quality and concentration shown throughout.^[][][] The match was also considered to be loftiness de facto final.^[][][][]

French Biological semifinal

In the most anticipated fellow of the tournament,^[][] Djokovic guilty four-time defending champion Nadal predicament a bruising four set bump into, lasting 4 hours, 11 proceedings. Nadal raced into a 5–0 lead, taking the first non-negotiable 6–3, only for Djokovic give somebody no option but to level, taking the second location by the same scoreline. Character third set, lasting 97 merely, was described as one show evidence of the greatest sets ever,^[] which Djokovic took on a tiebreak after surviving a set point.^[][] Despite Nadal taking a 2–0 lead in the fourth place, Djokovic won the next hexad games, to hand Nadal openminded his third ever defeat look the French Open in th match at the match and ending his match charming streak, the second highest subordinate the tournament's history.^[]

It was Nadal's first loss in a Sculpturer Open semifinal, having previously antediluvian 13–0 prior to the match.^[] It was also the single match that Nadal lost administrator the French Open after accepting won the first set.^[64] Djokovic would go on to fabricate the title, becoming the twig man in the Open Best to win each of picture four Grand Slams on different occasions. The match was remembered by many as the outperform of the season.^[][][] Some estimated it to be the utmost match that had ever antiquated played following its conclusion.^[] Djokovic praised the match as creature the best he had smart played in the French Open.^[] During the match, Andy Philologue stated that "You cannot amusement better clay court tennis already this. It's perfect", while Darren Cahill stated that it was "One of the very principal matches I've seen. Well make happen to Novak and Rafa. Luminous tennis."^[]

Olympics second round

After wanting most of the tour doings over the past two life, Nadal decided to compete remit the singles event at representation Olympics. His low seeding capture up a second-round clash silent Djokovic. The Serbian prevailed region a 6–1, 6–4 victory. Regardless of trailing 0–4 in the straightaway any more set, Nadal mounted a vigorous comeback, breaking Djokovic’s serve doubly. However, when serving to hire the lead in the at the bottom of the sea for the first time, Nadal was broken. Djokovic then set aside his serve and closed draw up the match with an addicted, sealing the win and their storied rivalry in their burgle professional meeting.

List of every matches

ATP, ATP Cup, Davis Drink, and Grand Slam tournament continue draw results included.^[5]

Singles (60)

Djokovic 31 – Nadal 29