Juan Martin del Potro recalled how he reacted when Novak Djokovic won the Olympic gold medal.
At the fifth attempt, the 37-year-old claimed the coveted and prestigious title by producing his best performance of 2024 to defeat Carlos Alcaraz in the final.
Djokovic was given a hero’s welcome when he returned to Serbia after securing the one title he had been craving throughout his career.
He is now in New York preparing to try and win his 25th major and fifth US Open title, and he was helped by the event’s 2009 champion.
How did Juan Martin del Potro react to Novak Djokovic winning Olympic gold?
In an extremely tight match, Novak Djokovic raised his level in the tiebreaks to win 7-6(2), 7-6(3) and win what was at the time Serbia’s second gold medal of the Paris Olympic Games.
In the process Djokovic became the fifth player to win all four Slams and an Olympic gold medal after Steffi Graff, Andre Agassi, Serena Williams and his great rival, Rafael Nadal.
Del Potro was at the US Open practicing with Djokovic on Wednesday, when he told ESPN how watching Djokovic claim Olympic glory made him feel.
“He made me cry the other day when he won the gold medal. It was the first tennis match that I cried,” Del Potro said. “I was very emotional, I have a very close relationship with him. I know how much he wanted to win that gold medal.
“It was impressive, I remember that before starting he made a video walking past the medals, begging to win it. He has completed the game as the younger ones say. I’m not saying I felt guilty, but it was logical that he achieved it.”
The Argentinian also said his biggest success against Djokovic was defeating him in the opening round of the 2016 Rio Olympics.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion replied: “And in London! Delpo is my nemesis at the Olympic Games. He’s been my slayer.”
How many times did Juan Martin del Potro and Novak Djokovic play at the Olympics?
On two occasions Del Potro and Djokovic played at the Olympic Games and the former World number three prevailed both times. The pair played at the Olympics in London back in 2012, with the bronze medal at stake.
In a tightly-contested affair, it was Del Potro who claimed a 7-5, 6-4 to win his first ever Olympic medal, behind the silver medallist Roger Federer and champion Andy Murray.
Del Potro battled Djokovic again four years later at the Rio Olympics, but this time in the opening round.
In another close battle, Del Potro outlasted his opponent 7-6(4) 7-6(2) to emerge victorious and leave Djokovic in tears.
The Argentine reached the gold medal match, but Murray prevailed in four sets to become the first man to win successive Olympic singles gold medals.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
