As the sun set on his illustrious career, Juan Martin del Potro, Argentina’s beloved “Tower of Tandil,” used his final moments in the spotlight to declare Novak Djokovic the greatest tennis player of all time. The 36-year-old, whose thunderous forehand and resilient spirit captivated fans, bid an emotional farewell to the sport in a sold-out exhibition match against Djokovic on December 1, 2024, in Buenos Aires. In an interview with ESPN Argentina ahead of the event, del Potro didn’t hesitate to place the Serbian star above Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in the GOAT debate. “Obviously, the numbers back him up,” he said, pointing to Djokovic’s unmatched 24 Grand Slam titles and 428 weeks as world No. 1. The tribute, coming from a player who battled the “Big Three” at their peak, adds a poignant chapter to del Potro’s legacy and underscores the mutual respect that defined his rivalry with Djokovic.
Del Potro’s career, marked by a lone Grand Slam triumph at the 2009 US Open, was a testament to his grit. At just 20, he stunned Federer in a five-set epic, ending the Swiss maestro’s five-year reign in New York and outlasting Nadal in the semifinals. “I’m not sure anyone can replicate it,” del Potro said of Djokovic’s monumental impact, praising his friend’s ability to transcend tennis and etch his name in the broader history of sport. “When you look at his personality, his presence—it transcends tennis and becomes part of the history of sports.” This admiration was reciprocated during their farewell match, where Djokovic, visibly moved, called del Potro “an example for all of us,” adding, “His greatest victory in life is that he’s a wonderful person.” The two shared a tearful embrace after del Potro’s 6-4, 7-5 victory, a symbolic send-off orchestrated to let the Argentine crush one final forehand winner.
The Buenos Aires exhibition, dubbed “El Ultimo Desafio” (The Last Duel), was more than a match—it was a celebration of del Potro’s enduring influence. Despite not playing competitively since 2022 due to debilitating wrist and knee injuries, the 6’6” giant moved with grace, his iconic headband draped over the net as 15,000 fans roared. Del Potro’s career, hampered by four wrist surgeries and three knee operations, was a tale of what might have been. “I haven’t run, walked up stairs, kicked a ball or played tennis since I was 31,” he revealed in a raw Instagram video, detailing the chronic pain that forced his retirement. Yet, his 22 ATP titles, Olympic silver and bronze medals, and a career-high ranking of No. 3 in 2018 reflect a player who thrived against the odds. His 20-51 record against the Big Three and Andy Murray remains one of the best, with standout wins like his 2016 Rio Olympics upset over Djokovic.
Del Potro’s endorsement of Djokovic carries weight, given his firsthand battles with the Big Three. He holds a 4-2 record against Federer in finals, including that unforgettable 2009 US Open, and defeated Djokovic in pivotal moments, like the 2012 London Olympics bronze-medal match. “While he’s still active, he’s the best,” del Potro reiterated recently, a sentiment echoed across social media by fans and pundits alike. Djokovic’s statistical dominance—99 titles, a record 39 Masters 1000 crowns, and a superior head-to-head against both Nadal and Federer—bolsters del Potro’s case. Even Nadal, in 2023, conceded, “I believe that numbers are numbers and statistics are statistics and, in that sense, I think he has better numbers than mine.”
For del Potro, the farewell wasn’t about reclaiming past glories but finding peace. “If I could at least have a bit of peace in my leg for two or three hours, to enjoy something on a tennis court for the last time, it would be beautiful,” he said. The match, attended by Argentine legends Gabriela Sabatini and Gisela Dulko, and graced with video tributes from Federer and Carlos Alcaraz, was a fitting coda. As del Potro tossed his wristbands into the crowd, he left behind a legacy of power, humility, and an unwavering belief in Djokovic’s supremacy—a belief rooted in the numbers and sealed by the heart of a champion.
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