Despite having to retire in 2022 due to a persistent knee injury, former U.S. Open champ Del Potro had the opportunity for a proper send-off in a match titled ‘The Last Challenge’ in Buenos Aires, thanks to Djokovic’s participation.
Not only did Djokovic show up, but he also ensured Del Potro’s farewell was memorable by funding an Argentinian fan’s trip to the event. Silvina, who resides in Serbia, was among the 15,000 fans at Parque Roca stadium, all because Djokovic covered her travel expenses after learning she couldn’t afford it.
In an OLGA interview, Del Potro shared the story, revealing that Djokovic wouldn’t mention it himself: “He won’t tell you, but if he lets me, I will. There’s a girl from Argentina who went to live in Serbia many years ago and has been his fan since day one.
“He had the opportunity to meet her, and she wanted to come here to say goodbye. She had some problem and couldn’t, so Nole managed to contact her again, called her again and paid for everything and she attended the match today. She came to Argentina and enjoyed this match.”
The match concluded with a 6-4, 7-5 victory for an emotional Del Potro who couldn’t hold back his tears after clinching the second set. The arena erupted in applause as Djokovic warmly embraced him, then showcased Del Potro to the audience in a heartwarming display.
Addressing the crowd, Grand Slam titan Djokovic expressed, “Like everyone here in this stadium, I am very emotional today. 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 define 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.”
Additionally, Del Potro was honored with video tributes from tennis legends Roger Federer and Gael Monfils. Federer remarked: “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.”
Del Potro stands out as one of only two players to have won a Grand Slam singles title outside of the ‘Big Four’ (Djokovic, Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray) between 2006 and 2020. The other player is Stan Wawrinka.
Del Potro’s single victory came at the 2009 US Open when both Federer and Nadal were in their prime, and he managed to defeat both on his way to the top. Regrettably, injuries hindered much of Del Potro’s career after that, but he still made it to three more Grand Slam semi-finals and another US Open final in 2018, where Djokovic defeated him in straight sets.