Novak Djokovic edged out Rafael Nadal to finish third at the 6 Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia after an emotional last clash between two greats of the sport.
Nadal and Djokovic lost to Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner respectively in the semi-finals, setting up a memorable third-place play-off between this pair of tennis heavyweights on Saturday.
Spain's Nadal is set to retire after the Davis Cup Finals conclusion in November, with his last outing in an individual event ending in a 6-2 7-6 (7-5) defeat ahead of his impending retirement.
The 38-year-old struggled in the first set against familiar foe Djokovic, who broke in the opening game en route to a comfortable first-set victory.
Nadal improved in the second set as the pair exchanged early breaks, with Djokovic forced to work to stay in the contest.
That resilience paid dividends for the Serbian to put him on the brink of victory, though Nadal managed to save a match point with a blistering forehand winner before levelling at 5-5.
Djokovic's dominant first serve did not let him down in the tiebreak, though, as the 24-time major champion battled past Nadal for one final time.
Data Debrief: Djokovic snatches bragging rights
Though this was an exhibition encounter, Djokovic will be delighted to have had the final say in the last dance between this great duo.
Across 61 meetings in official tour-level competitions, Djokovic boasts a slightly favourable record, winning 32 times and losing on 29 occasions.
This Riyadh victory may prove the final meeting of any kind between the pair, though it will live long in the memory as Nadal prepares for an emotional farewell in Malaga.
Alcaraz admits he was 'not up to the level' after defeat to Humbert
World number two Carlos Alcaraz admitted that he was "not up to the level" after a defeat to Ugo Humbert saw him crash out of the Paris Masters in the third round.
Humbert, ranked 18th in the world, posted a 6-1 3-6 7-5 win against the second seed in two hours 17 minutes to reach the quarter-finals of the ATP Masters 1000 event in the French capital.
"It was a very intense match. I started with some doubts about my game," said 21-year-old Alcaraz after the surprise defeat.
"Against a player who attacks whenever he can, who hits very aggressively at the slightest opportunity, it wasn't easy to get into the match.
"I was not up to the level he displayed. Ugo's performance was really high. The way he hits the ball is incredible."
Alcaraz had his sights set on a fifth title of the season in Paris but will move on to the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin next, with the season finale to be played from November 10 to 17.
Humbert, meanwhile, will continue his hunt in the Paris Masters as he preps up to battle Australia's Jordan Thompson for a spot in the semi-finals.
Alcaraz crashes out of Paris Masters after defeat to Humbert
World number two Carlos Alcaraz crashed out of the Paris Masters after an upset at the hands of 15th seed Ugo Humbert in the third round.
Alcaraz was aiming for a fifth title of the season in the French capital, but it was the world number 18 who emerged as 6-1 3-6 7-5 winner in two hours 17 minutes.
The Spaniard had no answer for Humbert in the first set, but fought back to level the proceedings in the second.
The third set was a tight affair, but it was 26-year-old Humbert who prevailed to take it 7-5 and reach the last eight at the ATP Masters 1000 event.
Humbert, looking for his third title of the season, will next face Australia’s Jordan Thompson, who progressed to the quarter-final by defeating Adrian Mannarino.
Zverev progresses to Paris Masters last 16 after seeing off Griekspoor
Alexander Zverev progressed to the last 16 of the Paris Masters following a straight-sets victory over Tallon Griekspoor.
The Italian Open champion prevailed 7-6 (7-2) 6-3 after just over an hour-and-a-half at Accor Arena.
The opening set remained on serve and went to a tie-break, which Zverev subsequently dominated to draw first blood.
Runner-up to Daniil Medvedev in this ATP Masters event four years ago, the German crucially claimed the match's only break in game six of the second set.
Zverev then subsequently held out for victory to set up a last-16 clash with Arthur Fils, who defeated him in the Hamburg final earlier this season.
Data Debrief: Zverev gets his break
Zverev maintained his perfect record against Griekspoor in 2024, having now won all four of their meetings, but it was a contest of fine margins.
Indeed, Griekspoor was dominant on serve early on, losing just one of his opening 14 points. However, the only break point he faced was ruthlessly pounced upon by the German, who saved all three he faced.
Unforced errors were also crucial with Zverev committing just nine to his opponent's 17, and his quest for a second trophy of the season continues.
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