It is the first handshake in a very long series between Nadal and Djokovic who met for the first time in the quarter-finals of Roland Garros in 2006. At the time, the Spaniard was ranked 2nd in the world while the Serb was “only” 63rd.
This match was one of the worst in their rivalry because it was one of only two matches in 59 duels to end in the middle of the game. After being down two sets to nothing (6-4 / 6-4), Djokovic, injured, retired. Nadal continued his path to a second title at Porte d’Auteuil.