ranking item image

Novak Djokovic vs. Rafael Nadal

Sports rivalry

About

The rivalry between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal is the most prolific in men's tennis history, spanning 18 years and 60 matches. It is renowned for its intensity, quality, and longevity, captivating fans worldwide. Both players have dominated different surfaces, with Nadal leading on clay and Djokovic on hard courts. Their rivalry includes 18 Grand Slam matches, with Nadal winning 11 of them. This rivalry has produced some of tennis's greatest matches, including the 2012 Australian Open final and the 2013 French Open semi-final. Djokovic leads the overall head-to-head 31-29, while Nadal holds a significant edge on clay. Their mutual respect and competitive edge have elevated tennis, making their rivalry a cornerstone of the sport's history. Despite recent injuries and potential retirement for Nadal, their rivalry remains a defining chapter in tennis.