Juan Martin del Potro ended his career on Sunday. The 2009 US Open champion played an exhibition match against his great friend Novak Djokovic in Buenos Aires. They enjoyed every minute on the court, and the home favorite prevailed 6-4, 7-5 to terminate his career in style.
Juan Martin could not play his best tennis for years, struggling with injuries and setbacks but never giving up. He recovered and played at a high level in 2018, battling for a Major title against Novak and becoming world no. 3. However, his luck changed in Shanghai.
del Potro, Buenos Aires 2024© Stream screenshot
Del Potro suffered a right knee injury and repeated it at Queen’s 2019, entering the worst period of his life. The Argentine had six surgeries by 2022, hoping for a comeback but struggling to walk and do the everyday things. He played his last official match in Buenos Aires two years ago.
¡Misión cumplida! 🇦🇷 Se despide una leyenda llamada Juan Martín Del Potro 🤲 ¡Gracias por todo! 🥹
📲 Viví la despedida de Delpo en vivo en Youtube Telefe y https://t.co/2ECurz6Kmn 🎾 #ElUltimoDesafio pic.twitter.com/OVSjdw6RMn
— telefe (@telefe) December 1, 2024
Juan Martin embraces one last dance with Novak Djokovic
With his troubled knee preventing him from practice, the former Major winner could not hope to extend his career. However, he wanted to play one more match against his good friend, Novak Djokovic. The two made a special connection over the years, and Novak was more than happy to travel to Buenos Aires.
Novak Djokovic & del Potro, Buenos Aires 2024© Stream screenshot
They enjoyed a great time in front of the packed crowd, with Gisela Dulko and Gabriela Sabatini joining them on the court in the second set. The result carried no importance, and Juan Martin defeated Novak 6-4, 7-5. The home favorite closed the third game with a forehand winner.
Juan Martin grabbed the fifth game with a service winner, and Novak locked the result at 3-3 with a backhand winner. The Argentine delivered a break in the tenth game, securing the opener 6-4. Dulko and Sabatini joined them at the beginning of the second set.
Buenos Aires 2024© Stream screenshot
Four players exchanged many volleys, keeping the crowd entertained. Djokovic and del Potro resumed their duel in the fourth game, and the Serb saved a break point in the sixth game. Juan Martin opened a 5-4 gap with a service winner and held at 15 two games later for 6-5.
Novak sent a short ball to Juan Martin’s forehand in the 12th game, allowing the home favorite to seal the deal and celebrate.
Tennis World USA