December 4, 2024
Big names came out in there numbers to salute Juan Martin del Potro in an emotional scene in Buenos Aires as the Argentine played an exhibition match against Novak Djokovic to say goodbye to tennis.
The encounter was titled ‘The Last Challenge’ was played at a fully packed Parque Roca stadium in the Argentinian capital, featured 24-time grand slam champion Novak Djokovic who played the match with del Potro.
Although, Del Potro came out on top after a 6-4 7-5 victory against a long-time rival and good friend Djokovic which was watched by about 15,000 people on Sunday.
Paying tributes to Del Potro were tennis icons from Novak Djokovic to Roger Federer to Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz.
“I hope this moment is a beautiful one, one where you are celebrating,” said 103-time singles titlist Roger Federer whilst paying tribute to Juan Martin del Potro.
Del Potro, the 2009 US Open champion, retired from the sport in 2022 after years of injury troubles.
But he had one final match in him, playing Djokovic in an exhibition titled ‘The Last Challenge’ at a packed Parque Roca stadium.
Del Potro was in tears several times during the match, including during a long embrace with Djokovic at the end.
Djokovic also struggled to hold back tears as Del Potro was given a standing ovation and laid his iconic bandana over the net.
“Like everyone here in this stadium, I am very emotional today,” said Djokovic.
“I am also grateful for being able to play with my friend, with a great person and a great player, as well as a great rival. It is a very special day for me too.
“I do not know a person who does not love Juan Martin del Potro. Everyone loves him very much. I come from a country that has a culture with those values, that defines a person by how they behave and the professionalism they have, but it is always important to have respect and feel that life in the eyes, in the heart, in the soul.
“Juan Martin is an example for all of us, and his greatest victory in life is being a wonderful person.”
“I do not know a person who does not love Juan Martin del Potro. Everyone loves him very much. I come from a country that has a culture with those values, that defines a person by how they behave and the professionalism they have, but it is always important to have respect and feel that life in the eyes, in the heart, in the soul.
“Juan Martin is an example for all of us, and his greatest victory in life is being a wonderful person.”
Del Potro reached world No. 3 in 2018, but his time at the top of the game was blighted by injury issues.
He revealed ahead of his farewell match the extent of the problems and the “never-ending nightmare” he was living.
His best moments were shown at the farewell match, including his medal wins at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, and Davis Cup title in 2016.
There was also a video tribute with messages from Federer, Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz and Gael Monfils.
“I know this will be a very special moment for you,” said Federer.
“You were a very special player and person for the world of tennis, and I hope this moment is a beautiful one, one where you are celebrating, not a sad one. We all need to take that next step in life, and I believe the best for you is yet to come, Juan Martin.
“I hope the people in Argentina are celebrating with you and that you are having a special moment with Novak. I wish I could be with you, but I want you to know that I am thinking of you right now, and I wish you the best.
“It has been a total honour and pleasure to play against you and spend time with you off the court. I wish you all the best and I am sure we will see each other soon.”
Del Potro reached world No. 3 in 2018, but his time at the top of the game was blighted by injury issues.
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