Former US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro paid an emotional goodbye to tennis after a farewell exhibition match against Novak Djokovic in Argentina. Emotional scenes unfolded in Buenos Aires as Juan Martin del Potro participated in a farewell exhibition match against Novak Djokovic.
The match and event aptly named “The Last Challenge.” featured heartfelt tributes from tennis greats including Djokovic, Roger Federer, Carlos Alcaraz, and Rafael Nadal. Federer expressed, “I hope this moment is a beautiful one, one where you are celebrating.”
The 36-year-old won his sole major title in 2009 but his career was blighted by injuries and had announced his retirement in 2022 after a prolonged battle with injuries. However, he took to the court one last time against Djokovic at the full-capacity Parque Roca stadium. The occasion was deeply moving, with Del Potro shedding tears on multiple occasions, particularly during a heartfelt embrace with Djokovic at the match’s conclusion.
Djokovic also found it difficult to contain his emotions as the crowd honored Del Potro with a standing ovation, while he laid his iconic bandana over the net. “Like everyone here in this stadium, I am very emotional today,” Djokovic remarked. He added, “I am thankful to have played alongside my friend, a remarkable individual, and a fierce competitor. This day is incredibly special for me as well.” “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.”
He praised Del Potro, stating, “I don’t know anyone who doesn’t admire Juan Martin. He is loved by all. Coming from a culture that values respect and professionalism, it’s essential to recognize the essence of life through one’s heart and soul. Juan Martin embodies that and his greatest triumph is being an extraordinary person.”
Del Potro talked about the impact of injuries in an Instagram video few weeks earlier. He said “My daily life isn’t what I would like it to be. It’s very tough. There are moments where I have no more strength,” he said. “I’m not indestructible. I have good things, bad things but most of the time I have to fake it and put on a good face, but many times I feel terrible.
“Since that moment [after surgery in 2019], I was never able to climb stairs without pain.
“I hurts when I drive, it hurts many times when I go to sleep. It’s been a never-ending nightmare.”
Del Potro reached the pinnacle of the sport, achieving a world ranking of No. 3 in 2018, but his career was marred by ongoing injuries. Ahead of his farewell match, he shared the depth of his struggles and described them as a “never-ending nightmare.” The match showcased some of his finest achievements, including his Olympic medals from 2012 and 2016, as well as the Davis Cup title in 2016.
A video tribute featured heartfelt messages from Federer, Nadal, Alcaraz, and Gael Monfils. Federer conveyed, “I know this will be a very special moment for you. You were an exceptional player and person in the tennis world, and I hope this moment is filled with celebration rather than sadness. We all have to embrace the next chapter of our lives, and I believe the best is yet to come for you, Juan Martin.”
