Thousands of tennis fans in Buenos Aires were at the Parque Roca on Sunday to watch Juan Martin del Potro beat Novak Djokovic in a highly emotional match played in the Argentine’s honor.
Named El Ultimo Desafio (The Last Challenge), the exhibition event was staged to celebrate Del Potro’s career two years after he played his last Tour-level match due to a serious knee injury, which he has had eight surgeries on. He has also undergone multiple surgeries on his wrists in the past. Despite the injury setbacks, Del Potro still managed to reach a ranking high of No.3 in the world and win 22 titles on the ATP Tour, including the 2009 US Open.
Taking to the court to play Djokovic, it was clear that the Argentine’s knee was still an issue and he was wearing strapping around it. Something he has recently spoken publically about for the first time. Still, he managed to beat the Serbian 6-4, 7-5, in a match which concluded with them both in tears. Part of the second set featured mixed doubles with Gisela Dulko and Gabriela Sabatini also participating.
“This was possible thanks to Nole’s generosity. He has all the titles in tennis, but I believe that with these attitudes and gestures, he has the title and the most difficult trophy to achieve, which is the love of the people. He achieved it,” ESPN Depotes quoted Del Potro as saying when addressing the crowd.
“I want you to know that I’m not sad, I’m excited. For me, tonight is super special. That the end of my career is with Nole and with all of you makes it very special. Here, we all made a huge effort to make this possible. I overcame my physical limitations, Nole came from so far away, and all of you were here.”
Del Potro played against Djokovic 20 times on the Tour between 2007 and 2019 but only won four of those encounters. Their rivalry includes seven meetings in Masters 1000 events, three times at the ATP Finals, at the Olympic Games and multiple clashes at Grand Slam events.
“I thank you for the matches in Rio, the US Open, for our entire career. For being so professional and very funny,” he said to Djokovic.
“In the locker room, there are tennis players who are a little more serious and others more relaxed like Nole. That made him super close all the time.”
The tributes
The farewell event highlighted Del Potro’s popularity in the sport with Djokovic being among a series of high-profile names to pay tribute to his former rival.
“I do not know a person who does not love Juan Martin del Potro. Everyone loves him very much,” said Djokovic.
“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.”
On the screen, a video was played featuring messages from Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz and Gael Monfils.
“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,” said Federer.
“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.”
Outside of tennis, there were also several high-profile footballers in attendance, including former players Carlos Tevez, Maximiliano Rodríguez, Fabián Cubero and Rolando Schiavi. River Plate’s attacking midfielder Gonzalo Martínez and defender Ramiro Funes Mor were also there.
“Seeing him retire makes me feel incredibly nostalgic. We have many memories together, and today seeing him on the pitch, despite the complications with his knee, is a source of pride.” Tevez told ole.com.ar.
During his career, Del Potro beat a No.1 player on 10 occasions which is the most achieved by somebody on the ATP Tour who has never been at the top of the rankings.
