Del Potro beats Djokovic in ‘The Last Challenge’ exhibition

The Argentine’s last official match on the ATP Tour was in February 2022

Juan Martin del Potro and Novak Djokovic, Buenos Aires 2024 Image Credit: Gustavo Garello/AP/SIPA

December 2, 2024

Former US Open champion and world No 3 Juan Martin del Potro bid farewell to the sport in front of his home fans after beating Novak Djokovic in an exhibition match in Buenos Aires on Sunday.

Del Potro, who played his last match on the ATP Tour in February 2022 at the Rio Open, won the exhibition contest, which was titled ‘The Last Challenge’, 6-4, 7-5 at the Parque Roca stadium, which was packed to the brim as fans come to give one of the sport’s most beloved champions a fitting farewell.

After the match, both players embraced at the net and broke down in tears as fans gave Del Potro a fitting ovation.

Hard to not get emotional when watching this🥹😭💕

🇦🇷Juan Martin Del Potro gets the most amazing farewell he could ask for.

Novak Djokovic’s generosity, humility, & compassion shines through in every instance of his biggest rivals saying goodbye to 🎾

pic.twitter.com/UlvFDKmrhM
— TennisONE App (@TennisONEApp) December 2, 2024

The Argentine, whose career was derailed by multiple injuries to his wrist and knee, broke down in tears several times during the evening, which also saw a mixed doubles contest between Del Potro/ Gabriela Sabatini and Djokovic/ Gisela Dulko.

Several players, including Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz and Gael Monfils, sent in a video message, which was shown on the screens after the match. Athletes outside of tennis, such as Argentine basketball legend and Olympic gold medallist Emanuel Ginóbili and World Cup-winning Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni also sent in messages.

Del Potro’s biggest moment came at the 2019 US Open when he upset Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in to win his first and only Grand Slam title. He also won Olympic medals won in London in 2012 (bronze) and Rio de Janeiro in 2016 (silver) and helped Argentina win the 2016 Davis Cup title.

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