Juan Martin del Potro has fetched the curtain down on his career as a professional tennis player with an emotional exhibition match in his hometown of Buenos Aires.
The 2009 US Open winner played Novak Djokovic in the contest with a host of celebrities coming to watch as he won 6-4, 7-5 against the Serbian legend.
Del Potro overcame Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer to stun the tennis world and win the US Open in 2009 – the only time he lifted a major title during his career.
Del Potro upset Martina Navratilova by sharing details of his injury issues and now he can bring the curtain down on a wonderful career that once saw him sit number three in the world.
Many players from the past and the present have reacted to Del Potro’s emotional final match and it proved to be a very heartwarming night in Argentina as the home favourite said goodbye to tennis.
What Roger Federer said to Juan Martin del Potro after retirement match
Del Potro saw his finest moment in tennis come during an enthralling US Open final against Federer in 2009 and there is clearly a respect element between the two players.
Naturally, Federer enjoyed a better career but the top players always knew they were in for a tough test when Del Potro was at the peak of his powers on a tennis court.
After the match against Djokovic in Argentina, the player stood on the court getting emotional as messages from some legends of the game were posted on the big screen
Federer’s message said: “You’re a special player and a special person. I hope this moment is one that you’re celebrating. You shouldn’t be sad. We all need to move on in life. The best is yet to come for you.”
Del Potro had some memorable battles with Federer
The Argentine favourite had some memorable wins over Federer even if the head-to-head record stands at 18-7 in the favour of the Swiss superstar.
Del Potro won twice over Federer at the US Open and also beat him on a couple of occasions at the ATP Finals.
There was also two wins in Federer’s home town of Basle and he certainly didn’t have things all his own way against Del Potro.
When the recently retired player lifted the US Open in 2009, it was the first time that he’s claimed success over Federer at the seventh time of asking.
Del Potro now has some closure when it comes to his career and it was just magical to see so many people turn out for an Argentine sporting legend.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
