Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have battled it out in several thrilling matches that will go down in tennis history. However, one that stands out is their epic encounter in the 2012 Australian Open final, widely regarded as one of the greatest matches ever played.
Top seed and defending champion, Djokovic, and No. 2 seed, Nadal, faced off in a blockbuster title clash at the Melbourne Slam in 2012. Nadal secured the opening set and took an early advantage in the final, but the Serb battled back to level the score at a set apiece.
Djokovic then gained the upper hand by winning the third set in dominant fashion. However, Nadal displayed his resilience, taking the fourth set and forcing a decider. The Serb ultimately claimed a hard-fought 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7(5), 7-5 victory after a grueling five-hour and 53-minute battle, marking the longest Grand Slam final in history.
As such, the pair struggled to stay on their feet during the trophy presentation, periodically hunching over and squatting down during the speeches before chairs were provided. While seated, Novak Djokovic demonstrated sportsmanship by offering a water bottle to Rafael Nadal, with both catching their breath after their intense clash.
A fan shared a screenshot of this gesture on social media and expressed their admiration for the respect on display.
“It’s all about respect, even after one of the toughest matches of all time,” the fan posted.
Tennis fans were charmed by Djokovic’s action, with one fan recalling that the Serb had graciously offered the chair to Nadal first as well.
“I remember that he even let Nadal get the chair first. BuT ItS BeCaUsE He WaNTs PeOpLe To LiKe HiM,” the fan commented.
“Nole SF 5 hours F 6 hours, crazy. And he is always classy after the match, victory or defeat,” another fan wrote.
Another fan hailed the duo as the GOATs and commended the Serb for extending an “olive branch” to the Spaniard after their demanding encounter.
“2 of the greatest of all time, an olive branch extended from one to another,” the fan posted.
