(EFE)– At the age of 36, Argentina’s Juan Martin del Potro had his great tennis farewell party with guest of honor Novak Djokovic, with whom he starred in an emotional exhibition match in front of about 15,000 people at the city’s Parque Roca stadium. From Buenos Aires.
With a 6-4, 7-5 victory, the winner of 22 ATP titles during his career celebrated with his crowd, who gave him his last standing ovation on an emotion-filled Sunday.
Winner of the 2009 US Open, double Olympic medalist (bronze in London 2012 and silver in Rio 2016), Argentina’s only Davis Cup standard bearer in 2016, Juan Martín del Potro retired after several operations on his knees, mainly On the left.
This was Juan Martin del Potro’s departure from professional tennis
“Delpo”, who played his last official match on February 5, 2022 in Buenos Aires and who reached No. 3 in the world rankings on August 13, 2018, hung his headband over the Parque Roca net for the last time.
“We are saying goodbye to a great professional, but an even better human being. “An extraordinary opponent but one who transcended the courts and instilled a lot of love in each of his opponents,” Djokovic said.
“Tonight is sad for the world of tennis, but I am very happy because we are here to celebrate the career of Juan Martin. Thanks also to Argentina for the wonderful welcome,” the Serbian said after the meeting.
A video was then projected on the stadium’s four screens with messages from Roger Federer, Emmanuel Ginobili, Martin Palermo, Lionel Scaloni, Carlos Alcaraz, Gael Monfils and Rafael Nadal.
“I want to create 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 big challenge, which was to win the Olympic Games with a very busy schedule,” commented del Potro. Told the public. How did he invite ‘Nole’?
“He immediately said yes because he wanted to return to Argentina after eleven years with me and the Argentines. Del Potro expressed through tears, “He has all the titles in the game, but with these attitudes he has the most difficult trophy, which is the love of the people.”
“I thank everyone from the bottom of my heart who has come and supported me throughout my career. The love of people filled my soul all these years,” said La Torre de Tandil.
“I thank everyone who stuck with me through this last challenge, and I also thank the athletes and players, now former colleagues, who left their messages on this special day. Lastly, a special mention to my family and everyone who has been with me from a very young age till today. And I promise you I will finish my career and leave happy,” Delpo concluded.
