Novak Djokovic once again highlighted Rafael Nadal as the most formidable opponent he has ever faced, especially in terms of physical demands. They forged the most extended rivalry in the Open era, battling 60 times between 2006 and 2024.
Their rivalry, spanning some of the greatest matches in the sport's history, reached an unforgettable peak at the 2012 Australian Open final, embracing one of the most thrilling matches in tennis history.
Novak and Rafa pushed the boundaries on that memorable day in Melbourne, with the Serb prevailing 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7, 7-5 in five hours and 53 minutes. Djokovic's feet were bleeding after the duel, but it was worth it!
Djokovic and Nadal produced a contest unlike any other. Itstretchedto nearly six hours and setthe record that will take some beating in the future after Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner failed to reach that number.
They pushed each other to the brink and battled through exhaustion, pain and unrelenting intensity. The great rivals could not stand during the extended trophy ceremony, receiving chairs to take at least some rest.
For Novak, the aftermath of that epic encounter told the story of how far Rafa forced him to go. Once they finished the duel and returned to locker room, the Serb found himself unable towalk, with his feet bleeding from the strain of the marathon duel.
It was a physical ordeal as much as a mental battle like no other. The encounter stands as a defining moment in their storied rivalry and the one for the future generations to examine and admire.
Thirteen and a half years later, Djokovicstill looks back on that match as the clearest example of why Nadal stands out as his greatest physical rival. They constantly tested each other's endurance and resilience like few before them.
Trailing two sets to one, the Spaniard made the final push in the fourth set and claimed it in the tie break to extend the battle and force a decider. Rafa gained a boost and moved 4-2 in front.
More importantly, he missed a routine backhand at 30-15 in the seventh game and squandered a chance to forge a massive advantage.
Instead, Novak broke back and provided another break at 6-5 with a forehand winner, moving over the top and enjoying one of the most emotional moments of his career.
"Rafa Nadal was my most formidable opponent physically. The battles with him were incredible. We played the longest Major final in history in Australia.
I remember that by the time I got to the locker room and removed my shoes, my feet were bleeding, and I could not even walk," Novak Djokovic said.
