New Delhi: In an unforgettable moment that will remain tugged at the heartstrings of tennis fans worldwide in the years to come, Argentinian great Juan Martin del Potro bid farewell to the sport in an emotional exhibition match against Novak Djokovic. The clash wasn’t just about the scoreline but a celebration of a career that triumphed over adversity.
In a touching gesture of respect, Djokovic allowed del Potro the final say surrendering the last point as the Argentinian secured a 6-4, 7-5 victory. The two embraced at the net, with tears streaming and the crowd roaring in admiration, marking a poignant end to the journey of one of tennis’ most cherished players.
Beautiful moments 🥹💙@delpotrojuan says goodbye alongside @DjokerNole
(via @telefe) pic.twitter.com/d5MqjtF0mt
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) December 1, 2024
The Tower of Tandil’s reign has come to an end, but his booming forehand and towering presence will be remembered as one of the few who dared challenge the dominance of the Big Three. Between 2005 and 2012, in 30 major tennis tournaments, only three men dominated the sport- Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer. But there was one other, a lone wolf, who managed to break through their dominance and claim a major title. That man was Juan Martin del Potro.
The prime moment in his career came in 2009 when he won the US Open after defeating Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in back-to-back matches. That was the only Grand Slam title to his name reflecting the challenge of competing in an era dominated by the Big Three.
Roger Federer sent del Potro an emotional video message: “You’re a special player and special person. I hope this moment is one that you’re celebrating. You shouldn’t be sad. We all need to move on in life. The best is yet to come for you.”
Roger Federer to Juan Martin del Potro after his farewell match:
“You’re a special player and special person. I hope this moment is one that you’re celebrating. You shouldn’t be sad. We all need to move on in life. The best is yet to come for you.” 🥹
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) December 2, 2024
Novak Djokovic in the on-court interview said, “I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love Juan Martin… His greatest victory in life is that he’s a wonderful person.”
In his injury-marred career, del Potro also claimed 22 career titles, including an Olympic silver medal in 2012 and an Olympic bronze medal in 2016. A pivotal moment in his career was his role in Argentina’s historic Davis Cup victory in 2016, where he defeated Croatia’s Marin Cilic in the final, overcoming a two-set deficit.
A legacy of resilience
The 36-year-old suffered a fractured kneecap in 2018, followed by another injury in 2019, ultimately forcing him into early retirement. His last ATP Tour appearance was at the 2022 Argentina Open, after which he was sidelined by persistent injuries.
Del Potro candidly discussed the physical and emotional toll of his injuries, revealing, “Since my first surgery, I’ve never been able to climb stairs without pain. It’s like a never-ending nightmare.”
The Argentine shared the daily hardships he continues to face from the constant pain, the reliance on medication, and the frustration of being unable to do what he loved most. “Every day, I wake up and take six or seven pills. The knee beat me. It robbed me of what I loved most-playing tennis.”
While his career may have been cut short, del Potro’s impact on the sport will be felt for years to come. His story is a testament to the power of the human spirit and the enduring love for the game of tennis.
Argentine talisman Juan Martin del Potro retires after an emotional win over Djokovic. A career cut short by injuries, the Argentine legend leaves behind a legacy of grit and glory. Tennis Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
