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.
When push comes to shove, both won 1 GS, Cilic the same, could do a thread on the greatest ever player to win 1 GS Ricky….
Pat Cash
Part of the letter Delpo sent to Nole after he and his team left Argentine:
————-
In a superb letter, the Argentine addressed Djokovic, thanking him profusely (see full version below):
“I am eternally grateful to you, Charly, Mark and your whole team, for having been available in every detail, in every need. You understood the situation I was in, and you were the best partner, on and off the pitch, to say goodbye that I could never have imagined in my best dreams.
Your presence not only made this event unforgettable for me and my family, it transcended tennis. A whole country was able to appreciate you and be moved by you, and it’s clear that you’re not only the greatest in history in sport, but also in life.
Argentina loves you, and we are eternally grateful for the show, the generosity and the dedication you have shown to make this day perfect.
I have the feeling that all this was born of something very special: a sincere friendship that will last forever. I love you very much, my friend.
Thank you so much and see you soon.”
————-