In the vibrant tennis hub of Buenos Aires, Juan Martin del Potro, the beloved Argentine known as the “Tower of Tandil,” has sparked intrigue with a bold statement about his future. The 36-year-old, who bid an emotional farewell to professional tennis in December 2024 during a heartfelt exhibition match against Novak Djokovic, has largely closed the door on coaching—unless the call comes from the 24-time Grand Slam champion himself. Del Potro’s remarks, made during an interview at the 2024 Paris Olympics, reveal a deep bond with Djokovic and a cautious approach to re-entering the demanding world of professional tennis.
Del Potro’s career, marked by his 2009 US Open triumph and a career-high ranking of World No. 3, was a testament to his resilience against a litany of injuries. Wrist surgeries and a debilitating knee fracture in 2018 sidelined him for years, culminating in his final competitive match at the 2022 Argentina Open. His farewell, dubbed “The Last Challenge,” saw him defeat Djokovic 6-4, 7-5 before 15,000 adoring fans at Parque Roca. The event, steeped in emotion, underscored the mutual respect between the two players. “I do not know a person who does not love Juan Martin del Potro,” Djokovic said, praising his friend’s character. “His greatest victory in life is being a wonderful person.”
Now, as Del Potro shifts focus to personal aspirations, including promoting tennis in South America, the idea of coaching presents a daunting prospect. The relentless travel and full-time commitment required are unappealing after two decades on the ATP Tour. “To be a coach, you need to dedicate yourself 100% and travel the world again,” he explained. “I did that for 20 years, and I’m tired of it now.” Yet, he left the door ajar for one exception: Djokovic. “Of course, if Novak asks me to work with him, I’d be very happy. I couldn’t say no, although I don’t think it will happen,” he said with a smile, acknowledging the unlikelihood of the scenario. For now, Del Potro believes his coaching days will come later, if at all.
The connection between Del Potro and Djokovic runs deep, forged through years of rivalry and friendship. Their 20 professional encounters, with Djokovic leading 16-4, included memorable clashes like Del Potro’s 2016 Olympic upset in Rio, where he sent the Serb home in the first round. Off the court, their bond grew stronger. In Miami, Djokovic invited Del Potro to dinner, sparking a conversation that led to the farewell match. “One day in Miami, he said, ‘Delpo, I know you’re here, I want you to come to dinner and we can talk,’” Del Potro recalled. Over hours of discussion about life, tennis, and young stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, Djokovic offered to play in Buenos Aires. “He told me, bluntly, ‘Count on me for whatever I can help you with,’” Del Potro said, moved by the gesture from a player with a packed schedule.
Djokovic’s generosity extended beyond the court. He funded an Argentine fan’s trip from Serbia to attend the farewell, a story Del Potro shared on the Olga radio show. “He won’t tell you, but if he lets me, I will,” he said, recounting how Djokovic ensured the fan, Silvina, could witness the historic moment. Such acts highlight why Del Potro holds Djokovic in such high regard, making the prospect of coaching him uniquely appealing.
As Djokovic competes at the 2025 Madrid Open with Andy Murray as his coach, Del Potro’s comments add a layer of intrigue to the tennis landscape. While he focuses on recovery and new ventures, his willingness to join forces with Djokovic keeps fans dreaming of a potential partnership that could redefine the sport’s coaching dynamics.