
This weekend Juan Martin Del Potro played his final match, an exhibition with his friend and old rival Novak Djokovic.
Del Potro’s career ended prematurely a couple of years ago because his body broke down and he could not play top five tennis anymore.
I’ve often wondered, if Delpo’s body was more bionic and iron man-like, he quite possibly played the highest level of tennis we ever saw. Because he had the firepower that could blast even Federer, Nadal and Djokovic off the court like near hopeless punching bags.
Del Potro at his best was a different beast, as he demonstrated those times when he smashed Federer, Nadal and Djokovic. The problem was we only saw flashes and glimpses of Delpo’s highest level because it took so much time, luck and perhaps the right biorhythm chemistry to ascend to that state of tennis genius.
There were so many memorable Delpo moments though. Beating Federer in his first Grand Slam final at US Open. Blasting away poor Nadal at Miami Open. Outgunning Novak Djokovic 76 76 in the first round of the 2016 Olympics in Rio. Both combatants cried on the court after the battle – something I never witnessed in 40 years of watching tennis.
Tennis fan Parag Gupta remembers another Delpo golden moment: “Prior to the pandemic I remember going to the U.S. Open – Delpo vs Thiem at the Grandstand was the match everyone wanted to get into. Delpo pulled it out and the whole place was rockin’. Delpo was definitely one of the most popular players of that generation.”
He sure was. I assert Gentleman Juan Martin Del Potro is one of the most popular beloved champions in history. If you ever saw him play a big match in a stadium, you know it.
Though he was a knockout artist on the court, Delpo was a quiet, unassuming, low key personality like Clark Kent but when his tennis powers were activated, he could rock a stadium like Hulk Hogan. The special connection between General Del Potro and his army of tennis soldier fans was a very unique phenomenon.
The Argentine hero played on the ATP World Tour from 2005-2022. He won 22 ATP titles and reached no. 3 in the world in 2018. He won the 2009 US Open title but would only reach two more Grand Slam semifinals after that – 2018 French Open and 2013 Wimbledon. He won the Davis Cup in 2016 and silver medal at 2016 Olympics as well as a bronze in 2012.
The end came yesterday. The last battle was against his favorite rival and friend Novak Djokovic, who flew in all the way from Serbia to take part in the ceremonial final chapter of one of the most unique and electric tennis careers we ever witnessed.
After one of their epic battles, which Djokovic won, he went over to Delpo, in tears at his chair and said something that touched his heart. Delpo said: “Novak Djokovic is my friend. During this hug he told me I was an inspiration for him and that he admired how I came back and beyond the sadness I should feel proud and enjoy how much people love me. I will remember his words forever.”
Delpo’s record vs the big 3 were 6-11 vs Nadal, 4-16 vs Djokovic and 7-18 vs Federer.
Argentina · Davis Cup · Juan Martin Del Potro · Nike · US Open · Wilson tennis
Steve · December 3, 2024 at 12:09 pm
I enjoyed the extended highlights. It was a joyous event and not cheesy or forced. I wonder if Delpo used one of his ancient Wilson 6.1 95 racquets which he kept repairing and re-painting while on tour all those years or did he finally switch to a newer model for his farewell match? hmmm.
Scoop Malinowski · December 3, 2024 at 5:39 pm
Steve it was one of the most emotional dramatic moments I’ve ever seen on a court. The brotherhood alliance of Novak and Delpo is the best bromance in tennis history. Djokopotro is what fedal pretended to be. Interesting that fedal weren’t invited.