"Juan Martin Del Potro is my nemesis at Olympics" - Novak Djokovic banters with Argentine over their rivalry; calls US Open 2018 his greatest success

Novak Djokovic was involved in a rather light-hearted moment ahead of his US Open title defense on Wednesday (August 21). The Serb was practicing at the Arthur Ashe Stadium with former player Juan Martin Del Potro when they exchanged playful remarks regarding their past rivalry.

The 24-time Major winner clashed with the 2009 US Open winner Del Potro on 20 occasions in 2007-19, winning 16 of those matches. Unfortunately for the latter, he was forced to retire from pro tennis in early 2022 after having suffered a knee injury nearly three years prior.

Novak Djokovic, on his part, has continued his winning ways into the 2020s, having finally secured an Olympic gold medal after beating Carlos Alcaraz 7-6(3), 7-6(2) in the final. The Serb had previously been denied a medal at the quadrennial event by Juan Martin del Potro in London 2012 and Rio 2016.

With the main draw action at the 2024 US Open almost upon the tennis world, the 37-year-old kickstarted his preparations by practicing with his former rival and friend. During an interaction between the points, the World No. 1 claimed tongue-in-cheek that beating Del Porto in their lone Major final meeting at Flushing Meadows six years ago was his "greatest success".

Juan Martin Del Potro had a fitting response to the Serb, though. The 35-year-old insisted that his first-round upset victory over the latter at the 2016 Rio Games was the highlight of his career. To his credit, the defending champion was all for banter as he added that the Argentine had also denied him bronze at the 2012 London Games.

Here is the exchange between the two players:

DJOKOVIC: "My greatest success ever was beating Juan Martin del Potro in the final of US Open in 2018."

DEL POTRO: "My biggest success was beating you in Rio."

DJOKOVIC: "And in London! Delpo is my nemesis at the Olympic Games. He’s been my slayer."

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Novak Djokovic lost to Juan Martin Del Potro only four times in their rivalry

The Serb defeated Del Potro in straight sets in the 2018 US Open final

Novak Djokovic dropped some important matches to Juan Martin Del Potro in the last decade, which included their bronze medal playoff at the 2012 London Olympics and their first-round match at the 2016 Rio Olympics. That said, the Serb always had the Argentine's number at other big tournaments for the most part.

The 24-time Major winner defeated his 6'5" rival thrice at the US Open (2007, 2012, 2018) and once each at Wimbledon (2013) and Roland Garros (2011). He also scored three wins over the latter at the ATP Finals (2008, 2012-13).

Del Potro's two other wins over the 37-year-old, meanwhile, came at the 2013 BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells Masters and the 2011 Davis Cup World Group semifinals. Their last match at the 2019 Italian Open was a three-set classic, with Djokovic saving two match points to come through 4-6, 7-6(6), 6-4.