Novak Djokovic was involved in multiple sports events over the weekend, first attending the Qatar Grand Prix before heading to Argentina to present the Copa Libertadores trophy. Here, he will also play Juan Martin del Potro in the latter's farewell match.
On Friday, Djokovic, an ambassador for Qatar Airways, was spotted at the practice session for the F1 Qatar Grand Prix. The 37-year-old tennis star wore a black-and-white printed sweatshirt as he posed for photos in the Ferrari garage. Later, he was seen chatting with McLaren driver Lando Norris.
In addition to his F1 appearance, Djokovic enjoyed a game of padel with Nasser Al-Khelaifi and Badr Mohammed Al-Meer in Qatar. A few hours later, the Serb traveled to Buenos Aires, Argentina, for his exhibition tennis match against Juan Martin del Potro.
While in Argentina, Djokovic also took part in the ceremony ahead of the Copa Libertadores final at Monumental de Nunez Stadium on Saturday.
Botafogo triumphed in the final, winning their first-ever Copa Libertadores title with a 3-1 victory over Atletico Mineiro, securing their place in the Intercontinental Cup and the Club World Cup. On Sunday, December 1, Djokovic will face Del Potro in their highly anticipated exhibition match in Buenos Aires.
Juan Martin del Potro opens up about Novak Djokovic's generosity which led to their exhibition match
Juan Martin del Potro shared how his exhibition match with Novak Djokovic came about in an interview with La Nacion as quoted by Tennis365. Recalling a phone call he received from the Serb while in Miami. He said:
"One day in Miami he called me and said ‘Delpo, I know you’re here, I want to go to dinner together to talk’. Obviously I cancelled all my plans and went to dinner."
He went on to describe their meeting as "a joy" and a memorable one, where they discussed a variety of topics. As they spent hours talking and becoming more comfortable, Djokovic asked him:
"Well, tell me about your life. What are you doing? How are you? There are some news that circulated, is it true or false? How are you with that?" Del Potro recalled.
Djokovic then cut to the heart of the matter, asking:
"Is it true that you want to say goodbye, to play a match in Argentina?"
Del Potro responded by expressing his feelings, saying:
"The only way this can go forward is if you want to accompany me that day. If not, I will not be emotionally prepared to face this and I am not convinced either."
The Argentine remembered Djokovic’s reply, explaining that he firmly told him to count on him for anything he could assist with. Del Potro admitted that this gesture was incredibly emotional for him.
On Sunday, December 1, Del Potro will officially bid farewell to his tennis career after his exhibition match against Djokovic.
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