Novak Djokovic faced Juan Martin del Potro in the Argentine’s farewell match (Image: Getty)
left Juan Martin del Potro and the Argentine fans delighted as he granted the former No. 3’s unusual request during an exhibition match.
Del Potro said farewell to tennis with one last outing against Djokovic in Buenos Aires,
During the match, Del Potro asked Djokovic if he could mimic . And the Serb was happy to oblige.
It’s not the first time Djokovic has imitated his Spanish rival. During the trophy ceremony following their 2009 Italian Open final, he jokingly pulled down his shorts and rolled up his sleeves to copy Nadal’s signature capri trousers and sleeveless vest look.
The runner-up then completed Nadal’s routine of pulling out his wedgie and squatting down to return, shaking his racket as he waited. And Del Potro wanted to see the famous impersonation again on Sunday night.
The former US Open champion invited Djokovic to Buenos Aires for his farewell exhibition match. Early in the second set, Del Potro called over to his opponent and asked if he could play the next point like Nadal.
The current world No. 7 accepted and squatted down to return Del Potro’s serve. There was a slight tweak to his impression compared to 2009 – Djokovic pulled up his shorts to make them even shorter, imitating Nadal’s change in fashion over the years.
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The crowd inside the Parque Roca stadium lapped it up, laughing and applauding as Del Potro also cracked a smile. The retiring 36-year-old went on to win the match 6-4 7-5 and embraced Djokovic at the net as emotions ran high.
Both men were in tears as Del Potro soaked up the applause, with Djokovic standing by his bench and joining in with the standing ovation. Afterwards,
“(I’ve known him) about 12 years,” Djokovic said of 22-time title winner Del Potro.
“But I think in the last few months and also over time, I feel Juan Martin much closer to my heart because when you play against your rival it’s a little bit different.
Novak Djokovic also imitated Rafael Nadal at the 2009 Italian Open (Image: Tennis TV)
“I’ve said it a thousand times in the last two days, I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love Juan Martin. Everyone loves him.
“It’s important to always respect life, the heart and the soul. I think Juan Martin is an example for all of us.”
Del Potro also thanked his loved ones and the fans for their support . “From the bottom of my heart, I thank everyone who came and has accompanied me throughout my career,” he said.
“All the love of the people filled my soul all these years. I thank everyone who accompanied me until this last challenge, in addition to thanking the athletes and sportsmen, now former colleagues, who left their message on this special day.”