Before Rafael Nadal, there was Novak Djokovic: Amid Spaniard's shirt gifting drama in Madrid, revisiting Pedro Cachin's similar experience with Serb

Rafael Nadal's 2024 Madrid Open opponent Pedro Cachin asked him for his shirt after their match at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament. In light of that, let's revisit one similar incident involving Cachin and Novak Djokovic.

Nadal and Cachin locked horns in the third round in Madrid on April 29 with the Spaniard scoring a 6-1, 6-7(5), 6-3 victory. It was a special moment for Cachin, who materialized on the opportunity of competing against the 22-time Grand Slam champion and asked for his shirt during their interaction at the net.

"It’s a dream come true for me, I'm not sure what is the protocol, but can I ask you for a shirt?" Cachin asked.

The Spaniard gladly honored the request and Cachin later expressed his gratitude on his Instagram Story, writing:

"Thank you @rafaelnadal. It was a dream."

Pedro Cachin via Instagram Stories

In light of this incident, it's worth noting that this wasn't the first time Pedro Cachin had considered such a gesture.

During his opening round match against Novak Djokovic at the 2023 Wimbledon Championships, which he lost 3-6, 3-6, 6-7(4), the Argentine contemplated asking the Serb for his shirt. However, he ultimately refrained from doing so.

Cachin told CLAY shortly after:

"When I greeted him at the net I thanked him and told him it was the best two hours of my life in tennis. He has done a lot for tennis, and not only for him, but for those of us who play against him and our families. He generates a lot. We are so grateful to Novak [Djokovic]."

"I didn’t want to insist so much; but for me I would have asked him for a signed jersey, I would have told him how much he has taught us, he has raised the level," the World No. 91 added.

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"Novak Djokovic is the GOAT, competes at the level of Lionel Messi" - Pedro Cachin

Pedro Cachin shakes hands with Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon 2023

During the same interview with CLAY in 2023, Pedro Cachin couldn't contain his admiration for Novak Djokovic. He labeled him the GOAT and went so far as to draw comparisons to his fellow countryman and star footballer, Lionel Messi.

"He [Novak Djokovic] is the GOAT, because the numbers don’t lie. It is spectacular for our sport to have someone who competes at the level of [Lionel] Messi and all these people," Cachin said.

The Argentine then emphasized the significant influence that the 24-time Major champion has on other tennis players, including himself.

"I didn’t tell him either, but I’ve worked hard to have an opportunity like this. He comes, competes and wins, but he doesn’t realize how much it changes all of us. He’s too influential," Cachin said.