"Novak Djokovic going there, it's a beautiful act" - Andy Roddick 'really respects' Serb flying down to Argentina for Juan Martin del Potro farewell

Novak Djokovic's act of taking time out of his offseason to travel to Argentina to play a match against Juan Martin Del Potro has drawn appreciation from Andy Roddick. Del Potro, who was bidding farewell to tennis, asked Djokovic to play this farewell match with him.

Despite the timing being in the middle of the offseason, the Serbian obliged and flew to Argentina to honor his friend. Roddick said this week that this was a "beautiful" act. Speaking on the "Served with Andy Roddick" podcast, he said:

"What an effort. 'I'm gonna do this for you because I respect you.' Novak going there, I say this with all respect, finding a way to lose to Juan Martin Del Potro's in his current state, it's just a beautiful act and it comes from respect. He has the ability inspired by people and then act on that inspiration in the form of things that are really good. I really respect this move." (7:20)

Djokovic's choice to go to Argentina has added significance because he might be expected to be preparing for what could be his final year on the Tour. Roddick noted Djokovic's sacrifice of time and effort, saying:

"Novak doesn't know how many years he has left. Is this it? I don't know. We don't know, we're predicting health but it's not 10 years. We're closer to the end then we're closer to the beginning. To start a new coaching relationship and then to fly across the world in December to Argentina to play a farewell match with a friend of yours, purely for them. Novak doesn't get anything out of this. Plays a farewell match for one of the game's most beloved players." (5:35)

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A look at Novak Djokovic and Juan Martin del Potro's friendship

Novak Djokovic is well-respected among his peers, much like Juan Martin Del Potro was during his playing days. Unfortunately, the latter's career did not materialize in the way he had hoped after his 2009 US Open triumph due to many injury problems and a dozen knee surgeries, which left him chronically in pain and unable to play competitive tennis. He had the strength for one more match and enlisted the help of good friend Djokovic.

"Novak Djokovic is my friend. During this hug he told me I was an inspiration for him and that he admired how I came back and beyond the sadness I should feel proud and enjoy how much people love me. I will remember his words forever." - Del Potro after 2018 US Open final.

They shared some pretty special moments on the court such as the 2018 US Open final which ended up being the last big final Del Potro played in his career. He might have lost that match but beat Djokovic in the first round of the 2016 Rio Olympics, which remains one of the most painful losses for the Serb.