Tennis: farewell to Juan-Martin del Potro

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

Their 21st confrontation – the first dating back to 2007 – was above all rich in emotions. During the game it was even at its peak when the two men had a flirtatious hold on the net. There “Tower of Tandil” then let a few tears flow into Nole’s arms before kissing the web 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 with him for mixed doubles. A magical parent for those who have been feeling dark in recent months. “Trouble Without End”in his own words A few days ago, the former world number 3 described his daily life punctuated by permanent pain, due to his serious injury. His dislocated 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’m ending my career in the best way I’ve ever seen and I’m leaving happy; even if i cry, i promise you i will leave happy. Thanks for all these years, goodbye! » Novak Djokovic also said it well: “I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like Juan Martin del Potro. Everyone loves him a lot (…) Juan Martin is an example to all of us, and his biggest influence in our lives is being an amazing person. “

Several other athletes paid tribute to the 2009 US Open winner, including Roger Federer who had prepared a video for the Argentine, which was broadcast at the ceremony after the match. “You are a special player and a special person. I hope you celebrate this moment. You should not be sad. We all have to move on in life. The best is yet to come for you”Switzerland slipped.

Del Potro, who won 22 titles on the tour, also has two Olympic medals, bronze in London in 2012 and in Rio in 2016. After NadalMurray is another big name leaving the scene in 2024. At 37, Novak Djokovic, the man with 24 Grand Slam titles, will be aiming for 25^e crowned in a majority at the Australian Open next January.