Djokovic's Heartfelt Tribute to Del Potro: A Special Farewell
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Buenos Aires, December 2 (NationPress) Novak Djokovic honored Argentinian tennis icon Juan Martin del Potro with a deeply emotional tribute after their farewell exhibition match, referring to him as a special player and special person whose most significant legacy extends far beyond his on-court successes.
The exhibition match concluded with del Potro securing a victory of 6-4, 7-5, ending in a poignant moment. On match point, Djokovic deliberately allowed del Potro to execute his signature forehand for the winning shot, showcasing a gesture of profound respect.
“I don’t know anyone who doesn’t adore Juan Martín. His greatest triumph in life is that he is an incredible person,” Djokovic remarked.
Roger Federer also shared a heartfelt message, stating: “You’re a special player and special person. I hope this moment is one of celebration for you. There’s no need for sadness. Life goes on, and the best is yet to come for you.”
Del Potro’s remarkable journey saw him become the only player outside of the Big Three to clinch a Grand Slam title between the 2005 Australian Open and the 2012 US Open. His crowning achievement occurred at the 2009 US Open, where he triumphed over Nadal in the semifinals and Federer in the finals, marking one of the most celebrated upsets in tennis history.
Despite his extraordinary skills, del Potro's career has been significantly affected by recurring injuries, especially to his wrists and knees. These challenges curtailed his chances of adding more Grand Slam titles to his collection, yet they never waned the affection he received from fans and fellow athletes.
His struggle with injuries intensified in 2018 when he suffered a fractured right kneecap during the Shanghai Masters. A year later, he re-injured the same knee at the Queen’s Club Championships, leading to a total of eight surgeries and prolonged physical and emotional distress.
In a recent social media update, del Potro candidly discussed the impact of these injuries on his life. “My daily life isn’t what I desire. I can’t play football, nor can I play padel (tennis). It’s devastating. They’ve taken away my chance to do what I loved most, which was playing tennis. Every time I received anesthesia, I hoped the issue would be resolved... After two or three months, I was always contacting the doctors to inform them that the surgery didn’t work.”
At 36, del Potro continues to confront daily challenges due to pain and restrictions. Medical professionals have indicated that he may eventually require a prosthetic knee, but have advised him to postpone any decisions until he is older.
“Since I turned 31, I can’t run, climb stairs, or kick a ball, and I haven’t played tennis again. Do I have to endure 15 more years of this? It’s unbearable. I hope this will end someday because I want to live my life without pain,” he expressed.
