Novak Djokovic shows true colours with brilliant Juan Martin del Potro gesture

Novak Djokovic is set to grant Juan Martin del Potro's wish by joining him for his farewell match.

Del Potro has long been looking for a fitting send-off from the sport and now Djokovic has agreed to be part of his curtain call. The 35-year-old Argentinian reached the peak of his career with a US Open victory in 2009.

Despite the win in '09 being his sole Grand Slam triumph, it doesn't quite encapsulate his calibre as a player, with Del Potro the only player beyond the renowned Big Three, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Djokovic himself, to snatch a major title between the 2005 Australian Open and 2012 US Open. At the height of his game he reached No. 3 in the rankings but the stalwart last participated in an ATP game back in February 2022 in Buenos Aires.

His ambitions to bid adieu at the previous US Open fell through due to injury woes. In pursuit of one final performance, Del Potro has expressed his desire to have the Serbian star across the net from him - an invitation Djokovic has joyfully accepted.

READ MORE: Eugenie Bouchard threatens to quit social media as Jessica Pegula comment comes under fire

READ MORE: Morgan Riddle sends Taylor Fritz message on Instagram after US Open heartbreak

Del Potro reached out in a social media video, earnestly requesting Djokovic, saying: "I have a dream. I want to play my last match in Argentina and I want you to come."

Clearly touched, Djokovic warmly committed in Spanish, saying: "Are you kidding me? Obviously I'm coming. For you, in Argentina, of course."

The upcoming exhibition match dubbed 'The Final Challenge' is set to light up Parque Roca in Buenos Aires on December 1, reports the Express. Despite Djokovic's dominance in their head-to-head encounters, Del Potro has had the upper hand at the Olympics, snatching bronze in 2012 and then ousting Djokovic in the first round in Rio 2016 on his way to a silver medal.

Reflecting on their rivalry, Djokovic said: "My greatest success ever was beating Juan Martin del Potro in the final of US Open in 2018." Del Potro cheekily responded: "My biggest success was beating you in Rio," despite being ranked No. 145 post-injury recovery.

Djokovic then humorously conceded: "And in London! Delpo is my nemesis at the Olympic Games. 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 has undergone four surgeries since his last competitive match but will hope to be in prime condition as he aims to bow out on a high against Djokovic.

The match promises to be an emotional affair, especially considering Del Potro's candid admission that he was moved to tears himself by Djokovic's recent Olympic triumph. "He made me cry the other day when he won the gold medal," Del Potro said. "It was the first tennis match that I cried."

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.