Twenty-two ATP titles, a career-high ranking of World No. 3, a stunning 2009 US Open victory and the rare distinction of defeating each member of the Big Four at least three times. This is Argentina’s Juan Martín del Potro’s 19-year-old tennis resume. The Argentinian hung his racquet on December 2nd, after a series of wrist and knee injuries. Before doing so, his long-time rival and friend Novak Djokovic, fulfilled his wish of playing an exhibition match with him. Although the World No. 7 lost the match to Del Potro, 6-4, 7-5, his gesture of flying to Argentina has impressed almost everyone. It’s no different with the 2003 US Open titlist Andy Roddick!

Andy Roddick, in the newest episode of his “Served” podcast, exclaimed how incredibly touching it was of Djokovic to fly to Argentina to support his friend at the end of his professional journey. “…Novak doesn’t get anything out of this, right? So Novak flies to Argentina, plays a one-night farewell in front of 15,000 people for one of the game’s most beloved players, someone i have played against many times,” Roddick remarked.

The “Tower of Tandil,” as del Potro fondly called, is celebrated not just for his powerful forehands, but for the person he is. Talking about his contemporary, he said, “We all kind of feel for Juan Martin and what he’s gone through with injuries. Without those injuries, he has a Murray-type career. He’s that good—he wins more majors, he’s better than chuckers like I was. The guy could throw it off both sides. He’s one of the few who could beat the Big Three if he was playing his best tennis.”

Praising Novak for his gesture, Roddick said, “But Novak going there,—I say this with all respect—finding a way to lose to Juan Martin Del Potro in his current state in Argentina, it’s just a beautiful act. It really is a beautiful act, and it comes from respect…absolute respect…I really respect this move..”

Coincidentally, Andy Roddick played his last match with Martin Del Potro at the 2012 US Open.

Andy lost the match 6-7 (1-7) 7-6 (7-4) 6-2 6-4 effectively closing the curtain on Roddick’s incredible journey. But even in defeat, Roddick had only admiration for his opponent: “I feel lucky that my career was ended at the US Open by Del Potro. If you could write who you would want to take an exit to all the while not wanting to take an exit to anyone, there’s nobody classier, there’s no one that however many years later every time I see him we have that shared experience. I just really like and respect Juan Martin.”

Like Roddick, Djokovic too had only good things to say about del Petro, who has a 4-16 h2h record against the Serb. After del Petro’s final match, Djoker said, “Like everyone here in this stadium, I am very emotional today. I do not know a person who does not love Juan Martín del Potro. Everyone loves him very much.” He further added, “Juan Martin is an example for all of us, and his greatest victory in life is being a wonderful person.”

Fun fact: In a stunning upset, Juan Martín del Potro dethroned five-time defending champion Roger Federer at the 2009 US Open, capturing his maiden Grand Slam title.

To give context, Del Potro had first injured his kneecaps at the Shanghai Masters in 2018 and then sustained a similar injury at the Queen’s Club Championships in 2019. The Argentinian had tried to make a comeback in 2022, but his knee caused him problems again. He played his last competitive match at Argentina Open where he lost to his compatriot Federico Delbonis in straight sets. He later revealed that he had 8 surgeries on his leg, and struggled with pain each day.

Despite these challenges, del Potro still wished to play one last farewell match. In an interview with Ogla radio station after the exhibition match, Del Potro revealed how Novak Djokovic fulfilled not just his, but a fan’s wish as well.

Juan Martín del Potro reveals Novak Djoković’s heartfelt gesture towards a fan

He said, “There is an Argentinian who went to live in Serbia many years ago and has been his fan since day one. He had the opportunity to meet her, and she wanted to come here for my farewell. She had a problem and couldn’t find a way to come, so Nole managed to get in touch with her again, called her back and paid for everything so she could attend the match. She came to Argentina and enjoyed the match.” This isn’t a one off!

At the French Open, his match with Lorenzo Musetti ran post-midnight. Djokovic eventually won the match, after which he spotted a young fan cheering for him. The small boy, Tom, was in the crowds supporting his idol. Djoker hugged and kissed the boy. While Djokovic could have easily left the premises after a tiring match, he still chose to greet his fans and celebrate with them. The boy’s father was overjoyed to see his son cry tears of happiness as he was handed a signed racquet by his hero himself. It will definitely be a memory the young boy will cherish forever.

These gestures between players and interactions with their fans truly highlight and elevate the sport of tennis.