One year ago, tennis said goodbye to one of the greats of the game in Juan Martin Del Potro.
The Argentine suffered a knee injury that kept him sidelined until 2022, when he would ultimately play his final ATP Tour-level match at the Argentina Open.
Two years later, however, Del Potro formally retired in an exhibition match against Novak Djokovic in Buenos Aires titled ‘The Last Challenge’.
In front of a home crowd, the 2009 US Open champion beat Djokovic 6-4, 7-5, before the two embraced at the net, in what was an emotional sendoff for both stars.
Taking to social media, Del Potro reflected on the day and sent a thank you message to the Serb one year on.
Juan Martin Del Potro reflects on his retirement one year on
In a post on Instagram, Del Potro uploaded a video of his emotional speech to the Argentinian fans after his match with Djokovic.
He wrote: “A year ago, a day I’ll never forget. Thank you to each and every one of you who was there for such a special time.
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“Your support accompanied me every step of the way and continues to accompany me to this day. I watch this video, and I get emotional.
“Thank you all for the love in the stands, at home, in every message and thank you @djokernole for being present and being part of this journey. I love you so much. I carry them with me always.”
Juan Martin Del Potro’s last year on the tour before his knee injury
Del Potro came into the 2019 ATP season after recording one of his best campaigns in 2018, in which he claimed his first ATP Masters 1000 title at Indian Wells.
He also had one of his best Grand Slam seasons that year, reaching the semifinals of Roland Garros and the final of the US Open.
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In 2019, however, results started to dip, with short-lived runs in Delray Beach and Madrid to kick off his season, having missed the Australian Open due to injury.
Del Potro managed to reach the quarterfinals in Rome and the fourth round at Roland Garros, but in his first match at Queen’s, he fractured his right kneecap after a slip on the grass court, which ultimately derailed his career.
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