Novak Djokovic hopes to spend some time with Rafael Nadal off the court in Saudi Arabia

Novak Djokovic hopes to spend some time with Rafael Nadal off the court in Saudi Arabia, where the two are the main stars in the Six Kings Slam exhibition tournament.

“Last year I was here in December for one match with Carlos Alcaraz, so now it’s my second time”, said Novak Djokovic. “Riyadh has developed a lot in just less than a year, which is very impressive. It’s amazing how much they build in such a short time. It is obvious how much resources are invested in the development of the state. I will try to get more familiar with the local culture. I’ve been to the Middle East before, but I definitely have more to learn”, added he.

Rafael Nadal, who is 22-time Grand Slam champion, confirmed last week that he would call time on his remarkable tennis career after playing for Spain in next month’s Davis Cup Finals in Malaga.

“I don’t know if I will be able to have dinner with Rafa, but we will try to spend time together off the court. I will certainly be in Malaga in the stands for his last Davis Cup match. It would be good to play one last match in Saudi Arabia because it will be like the end of an era in tennis. Our rivalry over the past 20 years is longer than any other in history. I have a lot of respect for him, I wish him to retire from tennis in the best possible way and that’s exactly what will happen – in Spain with the support of his home fans. Just as he deserves”, said Novak Djokovic.

The Six Kings Slam is an exhibition tennis tournament held across three days and featuring six big-name players. As it is a non-ATP-sanctioned event, players will not earn any ranking points.