Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic Put Up The Show in Kazakhstan’s Exhibition Match

Published 10/24/2019, 3:37 PM EDT

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Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic put up a show in Kazakhstan on Thursday at the 11,578 seaters Barys Arena in Nur-Sultan. During the match, the ‘two kings’ of the sport got engaged in a masterclass rally with the Spaniard sky hooking a volley and followed by Djokovic attempting a soft touch on the volley. Djokovic defeated Nadal 6-3 3-6 11-9 in the match. 

https://twitter.com/mikemikkyy/status/1187376557691756544?s=20

The president of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met the two greatest tennis players of all times.

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“This is a wonderful opportunity to see the game of outstanding tennis players in Kazakhstan. The charitable purpose of this match is extremely important. Your arrival in our capital is clear evidence of the support that is being given to developing tennis in Kazakhstan. I’m sure that the master class for the gifted young tennis players will inspire them to follow your footsteps,” said Tokayev.

Rafael Nadal was visiting Kazakhstan for the third time and he addressed his pleasure to the president. “This is my third visit to Kazakhstan. Every time I enjoyed this beautiful capital but this visit is special as I managed to meet with you and visit this magnificent Akorda Palace,” Rafael Nadal said. 

World Number one, Novak Djokovic also addressed the president and said, “Thank you, Mr. President, for supporting tennis in Kazakhstan. We are very pleased to contribute to the development and popularization of tennis in your country.” 

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In Kazakhstan, both Nadal and Djokovic were involved in the inauguration of a new tennis center. 

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During the press conference, Novak Djokovic displayed his multilingual skills and won over the hearts of the locals by addressing them in their native tongue.

Earlier this month, Thomas Muster was not happy with Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal missing the official ATP Tour matches this week as they were scheduled to play the exhibition tournament in Kazakhstan. “Nadal and Djokovic only play where and when they want,” Muster said.

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Mahalakshmi Murali

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Mahalakshmi Murali joined EssentiallySports in 2018 as a tennis author and has gone on to pen more than 1800 engaging articles, probing into various aspects of the sport and its illustrious players. With her expertise on the sport, Mahalakshmi has interviewed stalwarts from the sport such as Serena WIlliams’ coach Patrick Mouratoglou and Kevin Anderson’s physio, Carlos Costa. Equipped with her vast experience and a keen understanding of the sport, Mahalakshmi now co-heads the tennis department.
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