Throughout his illustrious career on the ATP Tour, Novak Djokovic has faced some incredibly tough opponents.
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Before the arrival of the ‘New Two’ at the top of men’s tennis, Djokovic had to compete in arguably the toughest era in the history of the sport.
He faced the other three members of the ‘big four’: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray.
Although each of them caused problems for him, it was Nadal on the other side of the net during the match and Djokovic now admits that it was the toughest match he has ever faced.
Novak Djokovic faces Rafael Nadal in the 2012 Australian Open final
in a post on Instagram Uploaded by ‘Alex the Tennis Pro’, Djokovic was asked to choose the toughest match of his career.
The 38-year-old replied: “2012 Australian Open final with Nadal.”
Djokovic’s clash with Nadal in the 2012 Australian Open final was arguably the greatest match in tennis history, perhaps between the two greatest players of all time.
Their match was, and remains, the longest Australian Open match ever played and the longest Grand Slam singles final in history, lasting five hours and 53 minutes.
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After trailing by a set that day, Djokovic won the second and third sets, but Nadal prevailed in a fourth-set tiebreak to force a deciding set, before falling to his knees in celebration as if he had won the match.
However, in an incredible fifth set performance, Djokovic held on to win his third Australian Open title and fifth major title overall.
Both the stars could barely stand during the awards ceremony, which shows the tough battle they went through.
Casper Ruud wishes he could change the outcome of the 2012 Australian Open Final
Casper Ruud, who considers himself a lifelong fan of Nadal, said in 2022 that he wishes he could change the outcome of the 2012 Australian Open final.
according to tnt“I think I can say for Rafa, I wish I could change an outcome in the history of tennis, and I don’t know if he would be angry or happy with me saying that.
“It’s not a Roland Garros final this year [2022] Because it was not a very close match, but Rafa’s Australian Open defeat against Novak in 2012.
“I was probably even more sad than him because he was watching TV for six hours and hoping Rafa would win, and then it was probably one of the best matches ever.
“I think for many days I was still sad about his loss and I still wish to this day that he could have won.”
Ruud lost to Nadal in straight sets in the 2022 Roland Garros final, with the King of Clay winning a record-extending 14th Paris crown that year.
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