Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal forged the greatest rivalry in the Open era. Two grand champions battled 60 times between Roland Garros 2006 and the Olympic Games this summer, with Novak scoring 31 victories.

Rafael Nadal sent a brief, heartfelt reply to Novak Djokovic after his long-time rival missed his emotional farewell at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga on Friday

Rafael Nadal sent a brief, heartfelt reply to Novak Djokovic after his long-time rival missed his farewell at the Davis Cup Finals. When Nadal initially announced his retirement plans last month, the 24-time Grand Slam champion vowed to be in Malaga for his final match.

Rafael Nadal has announced his retirement from professional tennis, with the Spaniard's great rival Novak Djokovic having previously opened up on their relationship

The 37-year-old from Belgrade will be one of the favorites at the next Australian Open, for which he will prepare with great dedication by also playing a tournament in the first week of January. Nole's focus will be totally directed towards the Grand Slam tournaments and the Davis Cup, to try to replicate the historic triumph obtained in 2011.

Toni Nadal took a swipe at Novak Djokovic's actions on the tennis court and explained why his nephew Rafael Nadal has managed to earn "superior respect"

Rafael Nadal officially bid farewell to professional tennis on Tuesday, November 19, following Spain's elimination from the Davis Cup Finals.

Toni Nadal has hit out at Novak Djokovic yet again, claiming the Serbian has not earned the same level of respect in tennis as his nephew Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer

Roger Federer's former coach Paul Annacone claimed that sports has never had a greater competitor than the retired Rafael Nadal.