Novak Djokovic's class shines through as Serb fulfils Juan Martin del Potro's dream

Novak Djokovic has agreed to fulfil tennis legend Juan Martin del Potro’s wish by facing off against the Argentine in the final match of his career. The 35-year-old has been searching for a way to bow out of the sport and has secured Djokovic’s help.

The former US Open winner clinched the only Grand Slam title of his career in 2009. That does not truly illustrate the level of Del Potro’s talent, though, as he was the only player outside the Big Three - Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Djokovic - to win a major between the 2005 Australian Open and 2012 US Open.

Peaking at No.3 in the world rankings, the 35-year-old played his last ATP match in February 2022 in Buenos Aires - but saw his plans to compete at last year’s US Open disrupted by injuries. In his search for one last match, Del Potro named Djokovic as his ideal opponent and the Serbian ace was more than happy to accept the challenge.

In a video posted to social media, Del Potro told Djokovic: "I have a dream. I want to play my last match in Argentina and I want you to come.” Replying in Spanish, Djokovic responded: "Are you kidding me? Obviously I'm coming. For you, in Argentina, of course."

The exhibition match is set to take place during an event called The Final Challenge on December 1 at Parque Roca in Buenos Aires. While Djokovic has a heavy lead in their head-to-head record, Del Potro came up trumps in the Olympic Games. He defeated Djokovic to claim bronze in 2012 before eliminating him in the first round, four years later, on Del Potro’s way to clinching silver.

"My greatest success ever was beating Juan Martin del Potro in the final of US Open in 2018,” Djokovic said. In response, Del Potro quipped: "My biggest success was beating you in Rio,” having been ranked No.145 after recovering from injuries.

“And in London! Delpo is my nemesis at the Olympic Games,” Djokovic added. “He’s been my slayer."

Del Potro has warmed up for his final clash by teaming with compatriot Gabriela Sabatini in exhibition matches. The Argentine star has undergone four surgeries since his last competitive match but will hope to be in top shape as he aims to end with a win against Djokovic.

It is bound to be an emotional moment when Del Potro takes to the court for the final time. However, the 22-time ATP title winner has already been moved to tears by Djokovic after watching him become an Olympic champion.

“He made me cry the other day when he won the gold medal,” Del Potro admitted. “It was the first tennis match that I cried.”