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 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

There are not many players who can say they have defeated all three of Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer in Grand Slam matches. Andy Murray, Stan Wawrinka, Tomas Berdych and Jo-Wilfred Tsonga are the only four tennis stars to have achieved that remarkable feat.

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.

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

Rafael Nadal's retirement from professional tennis has brought an outpouring of tributes from plenty of current or former players.

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