Reigning world no.1 Novak Djokovic of Serbia and his longstanding rival, Spaniard Rafael Nadal, played a sold-out ”Back to Thailand” exhibition match in Bangkok on Friday.
Nole sealed a 6-4, 6-2 win in the fantastic 15,000 capacity Hua Mark Indoor Stadium.
Thousands of tennis fans filled the stands expecting to see their favourite tennis stars. Novak broke Rafa three times, once in the first set and twice in the second, denying Nadal a single break point opportunity.
The event was organized to boost confidence in Thailand’s safety after August bombing that left 20 dead in the heart of the capital. Before the Friday’s match, the two players visited the Grand Palace and met with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.
Djokovic last came to Thailand in 2008 when he lost the final of the Thailand Open to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, while Nadal visited the capital in 2010 for the same tournament and lost in the semifinals.
Novak’s next stop will be Beijing from October 5-11. The five-time champion has a perfect 24-0 record at the China Open. Last year he beat Tomas Berdych in the final 6-0, 6-2. Singles draw will take place on Saturday at 14:00 local time (08:00 CET).
You can download Nole October desktop wallpaper calendar here.
Photos: Getty Images
