Djokovic: "I don't know anyone who doesn't like Juan Martin Del Potro".
Juan Martin Del Potro has officially bid farewell to tennis. The Argentine, former world number 3 and winner of the US Open in 2009, dominated Novak Djokovic in an exhibition match at his home in Buenos Aires (6-4, 7-5).
A fitting symbol, two years after playing his last ATP tournament in the same city.
Several days ago, Del Potro posted a long, eleven-minute video on his social networks in which he explained the suffering he was experiencing on a daily basis after undergoing seven knee operations.
The pain prevents him from climbing stairs normally.
After the match, Novak Djokovic paid a final tribute to his former colleague: "Like everyone else in this stadium, I'm very moved today.
I'm grateful to have been able to play against my friend. He's a great person and a great player, as well as being a formidable opponent", began the Serb on the court.
"It's a very special day for me too. A lot of time has passed since I first met Juan Martin.
I think it was in France, when we were 11 or 12. He was two meters tall, yes!" he joked.
"I think lately, especially in recent years, I feel Juan Martin closer to my heart."
"I love him and respect him, but it's a bit different when you have to play against him on the biggest courts in the world.
You have respect, but you want to win all the time. As I've said a thousand times over the last few days, I don't know anyone who doesn't love Juan Martin Del Potro," added Djokovic.
"I come from a country with a culture that shares these values, that defines a person according to how they behave and the professionalism they have.
It's important to have respect. Juan Martin is an example for us all, and his greatest victory in life is to be a wonderful person," he concluded.
