The 2024 tennis season has seen the emotional farewells of some great players. In August, Andy Murray announced his retirement during the Paris Olympics. Then, in November, Rafael Nadal closed his chapter at the Davis Cup. Most recently, Juan Martin del Potro played his final exhibition match against his friend and rival, Novak Djokovic. Although he officially retired in 2022 due to persistent wrist and knee injuries, Del Potro wanted one last match before hanging up his racquet for good.
On November 30th, Del Potro arrived in Argentina and shared a warm embrace with Nole as he stepped off his private jet. The two faced off in an exhibition match on Sunday, where they both showcased their skills. In a touching moment during the final set, as Del Potro returned a serve, Djokovic let him take the point, allowing Del Potro to win the match. Their emotional hug across the net captured the hearts of fans and flooded social media with tributes.
In response to the touching video by Olly Tennis on X, Darren Cahill, coach of World No. 1 Jannik Sinner, couldn’t resist joining in on the love fest. He shared a simple red heart emoji while re-sharing a tweet showcasing Del Potro’s last moments on the court in Buenos Aires. “I’m finishing my career and leaving happy,” said Del Potro, expressing gratitude to Djokovic for playing with him one last time.
— Darren Cahill (@darren_cahill) December 1, 2024
“From the heart, I thank everyone who came and supported me throughout my career. All the love from the people has filled my soul all these years,” he added, officially bidding adieu to a career filled with highs and lows. Later, Novak Djokovic reflected on their long-standing friendship of “about 12 years” He said, “I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love Juan Martin. Everyone loves him.”
This sentiment highlights Del Potro’s incredible character and the respect he commands in the tennis community. As tributes pour in for the Argentine star, one name stands out: Roger Federer. He shared a heartfelt message in a video after the match
Federer pays his tribute to the “special player” of Argentina
Once the match concluded, the atmosphere began to get emotional as Roger Federer paid heartfelt wishes to Juan Martin del Potro. In a touching video message, Federer expressed his admiration, saying, “Listen, I know it is a special moment for you. You’re a special player and a special person for the tennis world. I hope this moment is one that you’re celebrating. You shouldn’t be sad.”
He encouraged Del Potro to embrace the future, adding, “I believe the best is yet to come for you.” Federer’s words resonated deeply, especially considering Del Potro famously defeated him in the 2009 US Open final to claim his first Grand Slam title. “It has been an absolute honor and a special treat to have met you on the court and spent time together. I hope to see you in the future very soon. Enjoy the moment,” he concluded.
As Del Potro prepares for retirement, he leaves behind a legacy filled with unforgettable moments and a deep connection with fans worldwide. His powerful forehand and resilience on the court made him a beloved figure in tennis. With tributes pouring in from across the sport, Del Potro can step away from the game knowing he is cherished and remembered as one of Argentina’s greatest tennis players.
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