Juan Martin del Potro officially bowed out from tennis after playing an exhibition match against Novak Djokovic.
Djokovic played Del Potro for one last time, with the pair having met 20 times in ATP Tour matches during the courses of their careers.
The former won 16 compared to the latter’s four, but the Argentine certainly seems to have moved on from those defeats.
Del Potro praised Djokovic after their match, with the home favourite having overcome the Serbian in straight sets.
The Argentine made two Grand Slam finals in his superb career, winning one with a 2009 US Open victory over Roger Federer.
Juan Martin del Potro makes promise to fans after retirement
He then lost the other at the same tournament nine years later, losing to old rival Djokovic at Flushing Meadows.
But Del Potro leaves the sport with his head held high, with the 36-year-old saying on court after his final test against Djokovic: “From the bottom of my heart, I thank everyone who came and has accompanied me throughout my career. All the love of the people filled my soul all these years.
READ MORE: Juan Martin del Potro picks the best player out of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic
“I thank everyone who accompanied me until this last challenge, in addition to thanking the athletes and sportsmen, now former colleagues, who left their message on this special day.
“Finally, a special mention for all my family and my people who have been with me since I was very little until today. And I promise you that I will finish my career and leave happy.”
Juan Martin del Potro follows Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray into retirement
It was certainly an emotional moment for Del Potro as he said goodbye to tennis, with those emotions set to last for some time.
Fortunately, however, the Argentine had his old friend Djokovic alongside him on court to complete his farewell.
The former world number three secured 22-tour level titles throughout his career, and retires with a 439-174 win-loss record.
READ MORE: Looking back on the first-ever match between Novak Djokovic and Juan Martin del Potro at the US Open
Djokovic meanwhile has now witnessed other greats in Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray also hang up their rackets this season.
But despite being 37, the Serbian doesn’t seem to have any plans to stop in his ongoing quest for success.
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