"Novak Djokovic was very generous...I want to give him all the love" - Juan Martin del Potro on upcoming farewell match against Serb
A week ahead of his farewell match against Novak Djokovic, Juan Martin del Potro has opened up about how he is preparing to be in shape to face the Serb one last time. The match will see del Potro finally bidding adieu to tennis after years of struggles with his knee, despite undergoing multiple surgeries.
Juan Martin del Potro turned professional in 2015, and in the years that followed, established himself as one of the top players in men's tennis. He won 22 ATP Tour-level titles, including the 2009 US Open. The Argentine also reached a career-high ranking of World No. 3.
However, despite his successes, Juan Martin del Potro's career was married by wrist and knee injuries. His knee problems, in particular, prevented him from competing from 2019 to 2021. While he did make a brief return to the sport in 2022, the comeback did not last long, and he eventually hinted at retiring from the sport.
His farewell exhibition match against Novak Djokovic on home soil in Buenos Aires, dubbed 'The Final Challenge', is set to take place on Sunday, December 1. Recently, del Potro took to Instagram to share how he wants to be in the best possible shape to face the Serb. Excerpts from the Argentine's candid video were later shared by journalist Jose Morgado on X (formerly Twitter).
"I started my diet, I'm losing weight, I'm training. I wanna arrive in that match in the best shape possible. It's a match to say goodbye," del Potro said.
The former World No. 3 went on to laud the 24-time Grand Slam champion over the Serb's generosity in accepting his offer to take part in his farewell.
"Djokovic was very generous in accepting my invitation. I want to give him all the love possible. If at least for one, two or three hours I can be in peace and happy on a tennis court, it will be beautiful," del Potro added.
Earlier this month, the 24-time Major winner turned thankful towards del Potro after the Argentine picked the Serb as his ultimate favorite while participating in a fun activity.
"See you in Argentina" - Novak Djokovic to Juan Martin del Potro
Recently, Juan Martin del Potro was asked to take part in a 'player preference' activity. It revolved around the Argentine being asked to make his pick from two legendary tennis players, with his choice going on to the next round against a new player. The activity ended with del Potro making Novak Djokovic his final pick.
The Serb took notice of the Argentine's participation in the activity and proceeded to thank him. The former World No. 1 also told del Potro that he would be seeing the former World No. 3 in Argentina for his farewell.
"Thank you, friend. See you in Argentina," Djokovic wrote.
Del Potro and the former World No. 1 clashed against each other on 20 occasions on the ATP Tour, with the Serb leading the head-to-head 16-4.