Novak Djokovic and Juan Martin del Potro unite to play ‘one final time’ in Argentina; dates revealed

Juan Martin del Petro and Novak Djokovic will lock horns in a farewell exhibition match in Buenos Aires on December 1.

Novak Djokovic and Juan Martin del Potro unite to play ‘one final time’ in Argentina; dates revealed

Juan Martin Del Petro and Novak Djokovic (via Tennis Majors)

Juan Martin del Petro and Novak Djokovic will give Argentina tennis fans an early Christmas treat, as they are set to play a farewell exhibition match in Buenos Aires this December. Del Petro’s “dream” match against Djokovic is being called “The Final Challenge”.

The 35-year-old Del Petro played his last ATP match in February 2020 at the Argentina Open. He lost 1-6, 3-6 to Federico Delbonis in the first round. The match marked the official end of his tennis career. Last year, he planned a farewell match at the US Open but was eventually unable to compete due to injury.

YouTube video

He made his return to the US Open this year for a charity exhibition doubles match alongside Gabriela Sabatini. The Argentinian legend ended his career winning 22 titles, including the US Open in 2009.

FS Video

In a promotional video for the exhibition match, Del Petro can be seen asking Djokovic to be his opponent in his last match on Argentinian soil.

I have a dream. I want to play my last match in Argentina, and I want you to be there.
Juan Martin Del Petro said to Djokovic in Spanish

Djokovic immediately accepted the request, with the match set to be played on December 1 at Parque Roca in Buenos Aires.

Are you kidding me? Obviously I’ll be there. For you, in Argentina? Yes, of course I’ll be there.
Novak Djokovic replied

Djokovic and Del Petro faced each other 20 times on the ATP Tour, with the former 16-4 in the head-to-head record.

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Novak Djokovic is likely to miss the year-end ATP Finals this year, with the event set to take place in November. The 37-year-old star won the title last year in Turin, beating Jannik Sinner in straight sets in the final. However, he may not be able to defend his title as he is currently outside the Top 8 in the ATP Live Race to Turin rankings.

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Djokovic is yet to win an ATP title this season and has competed in fewer matches than the other players in the Top 10. Ranked No. 9 in the ATP Live Race to Turin rankings, he has managed to reach only one final in the ATP this season.

Having made it to the summit clash in Wimbledon, the Serbian lost to Carlos Alcaraz for the second successive year, this time in straight sets. He was among the favorites to defend his US Open title this month.

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Djokovic looked like a rejuvenated player after winning the elusive Olympic singles gold medal in Paris. However, he failed to replicate that form in New York, as he exited the Grand Slam in the third round after losing to Australian Alexei Popyrin. He is next set to take part in the Shanghai Masters in October.