In a heartfelt tribute, Juan Martin del Potro has praised Novak Djokovic, not only for his legendary status in tennis but also for his exemplary character, calling him “not only the greatest in sport history, but also in life.” The Argentine tennis icon expressed his deep admiration for the Serbian superstar after playing alongside him during his emotional farewell exhibition match in Buenos Aires last week.
Del Potro’s final competitive appearance came at the 2022 Argentina Open, where he was defeated by compatriot Federico Delbonis. That match marked the end of a brilliant career that was unfortunately derailed by a series of knee injuries. The most significant blow came in 2019 during the Queen’s Club Championships, forcing him to step away from the game. The previous year, del Potro had fractured his right kneecap at the 2018 Shanghai Masters, which ultimately led to the end of his playing days.
In an emotional moment after the exhibition match, Djokovic shared his sentiments, acknowledging the special significance of the day. “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.”
He went on to praise del Potro’s character, stating, “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.”
Djokovic concluded by offering his deepest respect for del Potro’s legacy, emphasizing, “Juan Martin is an example for all of us, and his greatest victory in life is being a wonderful person.”
Del Potro took to Instagram to express his heartfelt gratitude towards Djokovic, reflecting on the emotional nature of the farewell event. “I do not have enough words to thank you for everything you did for me since that day at dinner in Miami, when you accepted this great madness to form part of my farewell in Argentina, despite your so complicated season,” del Potro wrote.
He continued to praise Djokovic’s generosity and support, adding, “From that moment until the day you left my country, you showed generosity that I will never forget. I am eternally grateful to you, Charly, Mark, and your entire team for being there at every detail, at every need.”
Del Potro was clearly touched by the way Djokovic understood the significance of the farewell and stood by him throughout the event, both on and off the court. “You understood and understood the situation I was in, and you were the best companion, on and off the court, to make a farewell come true that I could not have imagined in my best dreams,” del Potro wrote.
In his post, del Potro expressed that Djokovic’s presence transcended tennis, bringing joy not only to him and his family but to an entire nation. “Your presence not only made this event unforgettable for me and my family but it transcended tennis. A whole country could enjoy and get excited with you, and it became clear that you are not only the greatest in sport history, but also in life.”
Del Potro concluded his message with a touching tribute to the bond they had formed, saying, “Argentina loves you, and we are eternally grateful for the show, the generosity, and the delivery you gave to make this day perfect. I feel like something very special was born out of all of this: a sincere friendship that will last forever.”
“I love you so much, my friend. Thank you so much, and see you soon,” he added.
The exchange between these two champions highlights not just their deep mutual respect but also the enduring friendship that has blossomed beyond the tennis court, underscoring the values of kindness, support, and generosity that define true greatness.