Juan Martin Del Potro bid a symbolic farewell to tennis with an offseason exhibition match against Novak Djokovic on Sunday in Buenos Aires. “The Last Challenge” took place in front of a packed house at Parque Roca Stadium.
Del Potro, who officially retired at the Buenos Aires ATP event in 2022, defeated Djokovic 6-4, 7-5 in a match that was entirely fun and ceremonial rather than competitive.
“Like everyone here in this stadium, I am very emotional today,” Djokovic said afterward. “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.Â
“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.Â
“Juan Martin is an example for all of us, and his greatest victory in life is being a wonderful person.”
There was also a video tribute to the Argentine, with several past and present players participating with messages–including Roger 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,” Federer commented. “We all need to take that next step in life, and I believe the best for you is yet to come, Juan Martin.Â
“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 honor 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.”
Delpo and Thiem. One-slam “what ifs”.
Delpo is level above Thiem, in every aspect.