the moving farewell of Juan-Martin del Potro

At 36 years old, the winner of the US Open in 2009 offered himself one last dance during a very friendly exhibition match (“The Ultimate Challenge”) which he played in Buenos Aires against the unmissable Novak Djokovic. The Serbian offering a symbolic victory (6-4, 7-5), to the one who was one of his toughest opponents in a Mary Teran de Weiss stadium in Parque Roca, with a capacity of 15,500 seats, which displayed complete.

Their 21st confrontation – the first dating back to 2007 – was above all rich in emotions. At the time of the match point it was even at its height during a touching embrace at the net between the two men. There “Tandil’s Tower” then let a few tears flow into Nole's arms before kissing the net one last time.

Juan Martin Del Potro was greeted on court with an explosion of cheers and received a standing ovation throughout the evening. Gabriela Sabatini and Gisela Dulko were present alongside him for a mixed doubles. An enchanted parenthesis for those who have been feeling dark these last few months. “A never-ending nightmare”in his own words A few days ago, the former world number 3 recounted his daily life punctuated by permanent pain, due to his numerous injuries. His loose right knee spoiled the end of the career of the man who played his last professional match in… February 2022. “I get up and take six or seven pills, an anti‐inflammatory, a painkiller and another for anxiety”,

Emu, Juan Martin Del Potro and soufflé : “Know that even if you see me sad, I am finishing my career in the best way I ever dreamed of and I am leaving happy; even if I cry, I promise you that I leave happy. Thank you very much for all these years, goodbye! » Novak Djokovic also nicely declared: “I don't know anyone who doesn't like Juan Martin del Potro. Everyone loves him very much (…) Juan Martin is an example for all of us, and his greatest victory in life is that of being a wonderful person.”

Several other athletes paid tribute to the winner of the 2009 US Open, including Roger Federer who had prepared a video for the Argentine, broadcast during the ceremony after the match. “You are a special player and a special person. I hope you celebrate this moment. You shouldn't be sad. We all need to move forward in life. The best is yet to come for you”slipped the Swiss.

Del Potro, winner of 22 titles on the circuit, also has two Olympic medals to his name, bronze in London in 2012 and in Rio in 2016. After Nadal, Murray is another big name who is leaving the scene in 2024 At 37, Novak Djokovic, the man with 24 Grand Slam titles, will aim for a 25.^e coronation in a major at the Australian Open next January.