Rafael Nadal's retirement was marked by a ceremony at the Davis Cup last year, though the event has been widely panned and even Novak Djokovic has had his say

Novak Djokovic's absence from Rafael Nadal's final day as a professional tennis player generated much attention. The Serbian has now revealed why he was not present at his rival's farewell. Nadal's

Novak Djokovic is the latest big name from the world of tennis to blast Rafael Nadal’s retirement ceremony. Nadal hung up his racket late last year, with his final-ever match as a professional tennis player coming at the 2024 Davis Cup finals.

Djokovic has won 24 Grand Slam titles, an all-time record in the men's game that he took from Nadal by winning the 2023 French Open

The last time they met, Djokovic defeated Nadal in the 2024 Paris Olympics on the clay courts of Roland Garros (not counting the exhibition at the Six Kings Slam). Tennis fans can follow Sports Illustrated's Serve on SI for all the most important news from the sport.

Novak Djokovic has revealed he ‘feels bad’ for missing Rafael Nadal’s tennis retirement ceremony at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals in Malaga. Djokovic issued a statement on social media ahead of the special event that he would ‘be there in person to pay respect to Nadal’s stellar career’.