Novak Djokovic helps Juan Martin del Potro fulfill his dream of playing one last match at home in Argentina with exhibition commitment

Novak Djokovic (L), Juan Martin del Potro | Getty
Novak Djokovic (L), Juan Martin del Potro | Getty

Juan Martin del Potro recently announced an exhibition match against Novak Djokovic. Del Potro said it was his dream to play his final tennis match in Argentina and the Serb has committed to helping him achieve that.

The Argentine posted a video on X (formerly Twitter) where he begins by praising the former World No. 1 and discussing his dream.

“I have a dream. I want to play my last match in Argentina and I want you to come,” Del Potro said to Djokovic (translated from Spanish).

Djokovic, who speaks Spanish well, responded:

“Are you kidding me? Obviously I’m coming. For you, in Argentina, of course.” (translated from Spanish)

The exhibition match, slated to be played on Sunday, December 1, in the Mary Terán de Weiss stadium in Buenos Aires, is billed as the ‘The Last Challenge’.

The Serb is expected to arrive in the country by late November and participate in the official dinner of the event. The next day, he is expected to participate in media duties and on December 1, he will play in the exhibition match before departing.

Del Potro did not officially retire but he has not played a professional match since February 2022, a first-round loss at the Argentina Open. He fractured his right patella in 2018 and in 2019, he reinjured the knee.

Since then, he has undergone four surgeries but he reportedly continued to feel pain. The 2009 US Open winner hoped to make a comeback in the 2023 edition but he withdrew due to pain-related issues.


Novak Djokovic and Juan Martin del Potro interacted at the US Open 2024

Novak Djokovic and Juan Martin del Potro at the US Open 2018. (Image: Getty)
Novak Djokovic and Juan Martin del Potro at the US Open 2018. (Image: Getty)

Before the 2024 US Open commenced, Novak Djokovic and Juan Martin del Potro participated in a practice session. They shared several light-hearted moments, including when the Serb jokingly called his “greatest success” defeating the Argentine in their 2018 US Open final.

DJOKOVIC: “My greatest success ever was beating Juan Martin del Potro in the final of US Open in 2018.”

DEL POTRO: “My biggest success was beating you in Rio.”

DJOKOVIC: “And in London! Delpo is my nemesis at the Olympic Games. He’s been my slayer.”

Djokovic and Del Potro met twice at the Olympic Games. The Argentine won the bronze medal match against the Serb 7-5, 6-4 in 2012 and even defeated him 7-6(4), 7-6(2) in the first round in 2016.

However, Del Potro was emotional upon watching the 24-time Grand Slam winner win the elusive gold medal in Paris in August.

Related Posts

Nadal ‘Would Be Best Without Injuries’: Uncle Toni Enrages Djokovic’s Fans With Recent Claims

Toni Nadal has claimed that Rafael Nadal would have been the best in history if he had been healthy, which enraged many of Novak Djokovic’s fans who think otherwise. The never-ending…

Rafael Nadal applauds Carlos Alcaraz & co as Spain kick off Davis Cup Finals 2024 group stage with triumphant 3-0 win over Czechia

Rafael Nadal (L) & Carlos Alcaraz (R) (Image source: GETTY) Rafael Nadal celebrated Team Spain’s triumphant 3-0 win against Team Czechia in the group stages of the…

“Not in a position to set goals” – Rafael Nadal opens up about his surprise Laver Cup 2024 withdrawal, downplays any ‘mental’ concerns

Rafael Nadal (Source: Getty Images) Rafael Nadal’s wait to return to tennis has been prolonged even more after he announced his withdrawal from the upcoming 2024 Laver…

BREAKING 🚨 Rafael Nadal withdraws from Laver Cup 2024 to fuel further speculation about retirement

Rafael Nadal pictured at the 2019 US Open | Image Source: Getty Rafael Nadal has pulled out of the 2024 Laver Cup, adding to the speculation about…

Novak Djokovic Emotionally Shared About The Special Gift His Children Gave Him “I Feel Very Lucky To Have My Wonderful Wife Jelena And Our Two Wonderful Children”

Novak Djokovic, the world-renowned tennis champion, is no stranger to sharing his emotions with the public. As one of the greatest athletes of all time, Djokovic is…

Novak Djokovic’s PTPA’s Executive Director slams WADA’s seemingly unclear rules after Jannik Sinner’s doping case appeal confusion

PTPA’s Ahmad Nassar slams WADA over Jannik Sinner case (Images: GETTY) The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has yet to announce its appeal against Jannik Sinner in the…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *