Juan Martin del Potro Bids Teary Adiu To Tennis; Beats Novak Djokovic In Farewell Match
“I’m finishing my career and leaving happy,” said Juan Martin del Potro, who expressed gratitude to the Serb for taking the time to play against him one last time.
Juan Martin del Potro officially bid farewell to tennis on Sunday in a tearful exhibition against Novak Djokovic in Buenos Aires.
Argentina’s two-time Olympic medallist beat Djokovic 6-4, 7-5 in front of his home crowd to sign off on a high note with a victory.
The exhibition, titled ‘The Last Challenge,’ was held at a packed Parque Roca stadium.
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“I’m finishing my career and leaving happy,” said Juan Martin del Potro, who expressed gratitude 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.”
Juan Martin del Potro and Novak Djokovic are both in tears as Juan wins his farewell match.
They share a beautiful hug at the net.
Delpo crying as Novak embraces him.
What a moment between legends.
Ultimate respect. 🥹
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) December 1, 2024
On the other hand, the 24-time-grand slam winner heaped praise on the Argentine for being a “wonderful person”.
“(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.
“His greatest victory in life is that he’s a wonderful person.”
Del Potro broke down several times during the match and shared a long hug with Djokovic at the end.
He then laid his iconic bandana, which he wore throughout his career, on the middle of the net.
Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz and Gael Monfils featured in a video tribute to the Argentine.
Roger Federer to Juan Martin del Potro after his farewell match:
“You’re a special player and special person. I hope this moment is one that you’re celebrating. You shouldn’t be sad. We all need to move on in life. The best is yet to come for you.” 🥹
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) December 2, 2024
Juan Martin del Potro has not played competitive tennis since 2022 after a series of wrist and knee injuries derailed his career. He fractured his knee in 2019 – an injury that he says has left him with daily pain – and played in his final tournament in 2022.
The Argentine beat five-time defending champion Federer to win the US Open in 2009.
He reached the final in New York again in 2018 but lost to Novak Djokovic.
Known for his amazing forehand, Del Potro won two Olympic medals – bronze in 2012 and silver in 2016.
He notched up 22 ATP singles titles in his career and reached a career high of number three in the world rankings.
However, a wrist injury put his career off the track after his US Open victory before his knee suffered grave injuries at Queen’s in 2019.
Also Read: ATP Finals: List Of Winners At the Year-Ender Event Since 1970