‘Shouldn’t Be Sad’- Roger Federer Joins Novak Djokovic in Paying Emotional Ode to a Tearful Juan Martin Del Potro in Argentina Farewell

Argentine former ATP star Juan Martin del Potro has officially bid farewell to the sport he loved the most. In this emotional moment, he received an extraordinary tribute from two of his greatest rivals, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. Djokovic took to the court for Del Potro’s final exhibition match, while Federer, unable to attend, shared gratitude for a friendship and rivalry that endured exactly through these years. Their gratitude messages showcase how tennis transcends competition, creating relationships beyond the competition.

Del Potro played the last match of his professional career yesterday, facing off against his longtime colleague and friend Novak Djokovic. The Argentinean former ATP player had been off the court from 2019 to 2022 because of a severe knee injury that occurred when he fractured his kneecap during a first-round match against Denis Shapovalov at the 2018 Queen’s Club Championships.

Despite multiple comeback attempts, the pain was so intense that del Potro struggled with basic tasks like walking, driving, or even climbing stairs, ultimately leading him to retire. Although he bid farewell to his supporters at the Buenos Aires ATP 250 event in February 2022, Del Potro admitted, “Internally, when I finished playing in Buenos Aires, I felt it wasn’t my final moment.” Determined for one last comeback, the former ATP star returned to the court, delivering an impressive performance against Djokovic and even defeating the Serb.

Following the match, the environment was emotional as Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic paid heartfelt tributes to the del Potro, remembering his legacy in tennis. the Swiss legend shared an emotional farewell note, saying: “Listen, I know it is a special moment for you. You’re a special player and a special person for the tennis world. I hope this moment is one that you’re celebrating. You shouldn’t be sad. I hope it’s not like that. We all need to move on in life. I think the best is yet to come for you. I hope the people in Argentina are celebrating you right now and that Novak and you had that special moment. I wish I could be there as a person, but now I’m just thinking of you, and I wish you only the very, very best. It has been an absolute honor and a special treat to have met you on the court and spent time together. I hope to see you in the future very soon. Enjoy the moment.” Federer’s heartwarming words reflected his admiration for his Argentinean former rival, who famously defeated him in the 2009 US Open final to claim his first Grand Slam title.

Djokovic, Del Potro’s opponent in this exhibition match, also shared his admiration, highlighting how privileged he felt to be part of this special moment. “Like everyone else here in this stadium, I’m very excited. It’s also great to be able to play with my friend, who is a big person and player, and to have such an opponent. It’s a very special day for me because I’ve spent so much time here. Since the first time I saw Juan Martín when he was in France, we’ve been together for 11 or 12 years.” Serb’s words expressed their deep friendship and the intense bond they’ve formed over their careers. “I feel Juan Martín much closer to my heart,” Djokovic added, showcasing how emotional it was to bid farewell to one of his closest friends from the tour.

Beyond their rivalry, Novak Djokovic has been a pillar of support for Del Potro throughout his injury struggles. The Argentine revealed that he could always count on his Serbian friend for strength and motivation.

Juan Martin Del Potro revealed the support he received from Novak Djokovic

In an interview with La Nacion, Del Potro reflected on a beautiful evening with Djokovic. Remembering their bond that day, this Argentinean said, “One day in Miami he called me and said ‘Delpo, I know you’re here, I want to go to dinner together to talk’. Obviously I cancelled all my plans and went to dinner, It was a spectacular talk that we would never have imagined in competition. These are beautiful things that tennis gives you once you’re no longer there fighting for points. And after hours of talking and getting more comfortable, he said: ‘Well, tell me about your life. What are you doing? How are you? There are some news that circulated, is it true or false? How are you with that?’

“Then he said to me, ‘Well, let’s get to the point. Is it true that you want to say goodbye, to play a match in Argentina?’” Del Potro’s words highlighted how much Djokovic cared about his friend’s career and aspirations. It highlighted his caring attitude and their friendship that bloomed over a mutual love for tennis.

Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic’s emotional farewell tribute to the Argentinean player showcases the latter’s worth in the sport. Despite a crucial knee issue, Del Potro tried his best to return to the court but eventually failed. Many admired and loved his resilience. That is why when he bid his final goodbye yesterday, everyone was teary-eyed, remembering the former ATP star’s legacy.