Novak Djokovic hailed as ‘not only the greatest in sport history, but also in life’ by Juan Martin del Potro
Juan Martin del Potro has lauded Novak Djokovic as “not only the greatest in sport history, but also in life” in an emotional tribute to the great Serbian.
The Argentine legend played Djokovic in his farewell exhibition match in Buenos Aires last week.
The 2009 US Open winner was beaten by compatriot Federico Delbonis in his final competitive match at the 2022 Argentina Open.
That was the only match del Potro was able to play after suffering a knee injury at the 2019 Queen’s Club Championships. The previous year, del Potro had fractured his right kneecap at the 2018 Shanghai Masters.
After sharing del Potro’s last on-court appearance, Djokovic said: “Like everyone here in this stadium, I am very emotional today.
“I am also grateful for being able to play with my friend, with a great person and a great player, as well as a great rival. It is a very special day for me too.
“I do not know a person who does not love Juan Martin del Potro. Everyone loves him very much.
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“I come from a country that has a culture with those values, that defines a person by how they behave and the professionalism they have, but it is always important to have respect and feel that life in the eyes, in the heart, in the soul.
“Juan Martin is an example for all of us, and his greatest victory in life is being a wonderful person.”
In an Instagram post, del Potro expressed his gratitude to Djokovic for helping make his farewell “unforgettable.”
“I do not have enough words to thank you for everything you did for me since that day at dinner in Miami, when you accepted this great madness to form part of my farewell in Argentina, despite your so complicated season,” the former world No 3 wrote.
“From that moment until the day you left my country, you showed generosity that I will never forget. I am eternally grateful to you, Charly, Mark and your entire team for being there at every detail, at every need.
“You understood and understood the situation I was in, and you were the best companion, on and off the court, to make a farewell come true that I could not have imagined in my best dreams.
“Your presence not only made this event unforgettable for me and my family but it transcended tennis. A whole country could enjoy and get excited with you, and it became clear that you are not only the greatest in sport history, but also in life.
“Argentina loves you, and we are eternally grateful for the show, the generosity and the delivery you gave to make this day perfect.
“I feel like something very special was born out of all of this: a sincere friendship that will last forever.
“I love you so much my friend. Thank you so much, and see you soon.”
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