At 36 years old Juan Martín Del Potro had his great tennis farewell party with a guest of honor, Novak Djokovicwith whom he starred in an emotional exhibition meeting that was followed by some 15,000 people at the Parque Roca Stadium in Buenos Aires.With a 6-4, 7-5 victory, the winner of 22 ATP titles during his careercelebrated with his audience, who gave him his last standing ovation on a Sunday full of emotions.
Winner of the 2009 US Open, double Olympic medalist (bronze in London 2012 and silver in Rio 2016), standard bearer of Argentina’s only Davis Cup in 2016, Juan Martín Del Potro retired after several knee surgeriesmainly on the left.
‘Delpo’, who had played his last official match on February 5, 2022 in Buenos Aires and who became number 3 in the world ranking on August 13, 2018, hung his headband for the last time on the Parque Roca net.
An exceptional rival but a person who transcended the ‘courts’ and generated great love in each of his rivals. Tonight is sad for the world of tennisbut I feel very happy because we are here to celebrate Juan Martín’s career. Thanks to Argentina also for this wonderful reception,” Djokovic said after the match.
Then A video was projected on the four screens of the stadium with messages from Roger Federer, Emmanuel Ginobili, Martín Palermo, Lionel Scaloni, Carlos AlcarazGael Monfils Rafael Nadal.
“I want to make a separate paragraph for Novak. In March in the United States I asked him if there was a possibility of him coming to Argentina in a year where he had a great challenge, which was to win the Olympic Games with a very tight schedule,” Del Potro said. to the attendees when commenting on how he made the invitation to ‘Nole’.
“He immediately said yes because he wanted to return to Argentina after eleven years to be with me and with the Argentinians. He has all the titles in sport, but with these attitudes he has the most difficult trophy, which is the love of the people,” Del Potro began with tears in his eyes.
“From the bottom of my heart, I thank everyone who came and has accompanied me throughout my career.. All the love of the people filled my soul all these years,” added ‘la torre de Tandil’.
“I thank everyone who accompanied me until this last challenge, Also thank the athletes and sportsmen, now former colleagues, who left their message on this special day. Finally, a special mention for all my family and my people who accompanied me from a very young age until today. And I promise you that I will finish my career and leave happy,” ‘Delpo’ concluded.
Nole celebrating Delpo’s career (in Spanish):
“A very great persona, a very great friend.
Bravo Delpo for everything!” pic.twitter.com/UAFm87WQ0Z
— 𝚗𝚒𝚌𝚔. A͟O͟¹⁰ (@NoleLondon) December 1, 2024
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GRACIAS @delpotrojuan 🫡 pic.twitter.com/7MuhIQw0eD
— 𝚗𝚒𝚌𝚔. A͟O͟¹⁰ (@NoleLondon) December 1, 2024
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