BANGKOK — The text message wasn't enough, so Rafael Nadal praised rival Novak Djokovic in person Thursday for the top-ranked Serb's "amazing season" after winning his third major of 2015 at the U.S. Open.
The seventh-ranked Nadal is in Bangkok for a sold-out exhibition match against Djokovic dubbed "Back to Thailand."
Friday's event was organized by local authorities to boost confidence in Thailand's safety after a deadly Aug. 17 bombing that left 20 dead in the heart of the capital.
Seated beside each other at a packed news conference, Nadal was asked if he hoped to get revenge on Djokovic, who won their last two tour matches at the French Open and in Monte Carlo.