Juan Martin del Potro says goodbye to tennis with emotional send-off from Novak Djokovic
The two-time Olympic medallist and 2009 US Open champion from Argentina swings his racquet one final time against 24-time Grand Slam winner Djokovic.
Tennis
Juan Martin del Potro officially bid farewell to the game of tennis on Sunday (2 December) in a tearful exhibition against Novak Djokovic in Buenos Aires.
Argentina’s two-time Olympic medallist - who has not played competitively since 2022 after a series of wrist and knee injuries derailed his career - won 6-4, 7-5 with 24-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic allowing Del Potro to forehand the match winner for his final swing.
The two hugged at the net afterwards as Del Potro’s compatriots Gabriela Sabatini and Gisela Dulko were also on hand to say goodbye.
“I’m finishing my career and leaving happy," said the Argentine, who paid tribute to the Serb for taking the time to play against him one last time.
“From the heart, I thank everyone who came and supported me throughout my career. All the love from the people has filled my soul all these years.”
“(I’ve known him) about 12 years," Djokovic said of his 36-year-old friend who is one year his junior.
“But I think in the last few months and also over time, I feel Juan Martin much closer to my heart because when you play against your rival it’s a little bit different.
“I’ve said it a thousand times in the last two days, I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love Juan Martin. Everyone loves him.
“It’s important to always respect life, the heart and the soul. I think Juan Martin is an example for all of us.
“His greatest victory in life is that he’s a wonderful person.”
Roger Federer: Delpo 'a special player'
Another former world No. 1, Roger Federer, also sent a video message to Del Potro, who he lost to in the 2009 US Open final when the Argentine won the lone Grand Slam title of his career.
Alongside Djokovic and the recently retired Rafael Nadal, Del Potro - one of the tallest players on the tour at 1.98m - is one of only three players to have defeated Federer in a Grand Slam final. Del Potro actually has a career winning record of 4-2 against Federer in all finals.
“I know that this is a special moment for you,” Federer said in the taped message. “You were a special player and a special person for the tennis world, and I hope that the moment right now is one that you're celebrating.
“It shouldn't be sad. I hope it's not like that. We all need to move on in life, and I think the best is yet to come for you. Juan Martin, I hope that the people in Argentina are celebrating you right now and that with Novak you're having a special moment.”
Djokovic was stunned in the first round at Rio 2016 by Del Potro, who went on to win silver for his second of two Olympic medals. He had won bronze four years before in London, also with victory over Djokovic.
Del Potro bows out with 22 career titles and earnings of more than US$25 million.
Juan Martin del Potro, at right, with fellow tennis greats Novak Djokovic and Gabriela Sabatini.