Djokovic and Federer pay touching tributes to Del Potro
The Argentine played a farewell exhibition match against Djokovic in Buenos Aires on Sunday
Juan Martin Del Potro, Buenos Aires 2022
Image Credit: Zuma / Panoramic
Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer paid tributes to former US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro on the occasion of his farewell exhibition match against the Serb in Buenos Aires on Sunday.
More than two years after he played his final match on the ATP Tour, Del Potro defeated Djokovic in straight sets in an exhibtion titled ‘The Last Challenge’ in front of his home fans. Both players were in tears after the match.
Djokovic paid a glowing triubute to the Argentine, who peaked at No 3 in the world rankings but was forced to deal with wrist and knee injuries for the most part of his career following his breakthrough 2019 US Open win.
“Like everyone here in this stadium, I am very emotional today,” said Djokovic. “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.”
“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. Juan Martin is an example for all of us, and his greatest victory in life is being a wonderful person.”
It has been a total honour and pleasure to play against you and spend time with you off the court.
Federer was among those who sent a video message for the Argentine and he said it was an honour to have played and spent time against Del Potro, whose fan base transcended Argentina and spread across the globe to make him one of the game’s most loved personalities.
“I know this will be a very special moment for you,” said 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. We all need to take that next step in life, and I believe the best for you is yet to come, Juan Martin.
“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.”
People in this post
More tennis news
Open In Arte Angers Loire: Ruse reaches last 16
Del Potro beats Djokovic in ‘The Last Challenge’ exhibition
Noah appointed head of para tennis in France
IEB + Argentina Open: Sherif wins the trophy
Popyrin is latest ATP player to get engaged
