Former Argentine tennis star Juan Martín del Potro has officially bid farewell to the sport he cherished deeply, marking the end of an extraordinary career. His final exhibition match featured a special tribute from two of his most notable rivals, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. While Federer, unable to attend in person, sent a heartfelt message of gratitude, Djokovic took to the court to honor del Potro in what became an emotional and memorable farewell.
Del Potro’s Final Match and Journey to Retirement
Del Potro’s last professional match saw him face his long-time friend and competitor, Novak Djokovic. The occasion was particularly poignant given del Potro’s struggles in recent years. After fracturing his kneecap in a 2018 first-round match at Queen’s Club against Denis Shapovalov, del Potro spent three years (2019-2022) attempting to recover from a severe knee injury. Despite undergoing multiple treatments, he endured persistent pain that made everyday tasks like walking, driving, or climbing stairs extremely challenging.
He initially retired after an emotional appearance at the Buenos Aires ATP 250 event in February 2022. However, del Potro admitted feeling an unresolved sense of closure, stating, “Internally, when I finished playing in Buenos Aires, I felt it wasn’t my final moment.” Determined for one last appearance, del Potro returned to the court to deliver a remarkable performance against Djokovic, even managing to claim victory in the exhibition match.
Tributes from Federer and Djokovic
Following the match, the atmosphere was charged with emotion as both Federer and Djokovic honored del Potro’s legacy. Federer, a player del Potro famously defeated in the 2009 US Open final to win his first and only Grand Slam, expressed his admiration in a touching message. Reflecting on their years of competition and camaraderie, Federer said, “Listen, I know it is a special moment for you. You’re a special player and a special person for the tennis world. I hope this moment is one that you’re celebrating. You shouldn’t be sad. We all need to move on in life. I think the best is yet to come for you. I hope the people in Argentina are celebrating you right now and that Novak and you had that special moment. I wish I could be there as a person, but now I’m just thinking of you, and I wish you only the very, very best. It has been an absolute honor and a special treat to have met you on the court and spent time together. I hope to see you in the future very soon. Enjoy the moment.”
Djokovic, who shared the court with del Potro for this special match, echoed similar sentiments. He expressed his deep respect for del Potro, saying, “Like everyone else here in this stadium, I’m very excited. It’s also great to be able to play with my friend, who is a big person and player, and to have such an opponent. It’s a very special day for me because I’ve spent so much time here. Since the first time I saw Juan Martín when he was in France, we’ve been together for 11 or 12 years. I feel Juan Martín much closer to my heart.” His words underscored the emotional bond the two have shared throughout their careers.
A Friendship Beyond Rivalry
Beyond their competitive battles, Djokovic played a vital role in supporting del Potro during his difficult recovery. Del Potro himself highlighted this in an interview, recounting a memorable dinner in Miami where Djokovic encouraged and motivated him. Recalling the encounter, del Potro shared, “One day in Miami he called me and said, ‘Delpo, I know you’re here, I want to go to dinner together to talk.’ Obviously, I canceled all my plans and went to dinner. It was a spectacular talk that we would never have imagined in competition. After hours of talking and getting more comfortable, he said, ‘Well, tell me about your life. What are you doing? How are you?’” Djokovic later asked him directly if he wanted to play a farewell match in Argentina, emphasizing his desire to help del Potro achieve closure in the sport they both loved.
A Legacy of Resilience and Admiration
Despite the physical challenges that ultimately forced him to retire, del Potro’s perseverance and dedication to tennis remain an inspiration to fans and players alike. The emotional tributes from Federer and Djokovic highlighted his impact on the sport and the deep respect he earned throughout his career. Del Potro’s final goodbye, marked by the love and admiration of his peers, served as a testament to his enduring legacy in tennis.