"You are the greatest in life, I love you so much" - Novak Djokovic earns emotional tribute from Juan Martin del Potro for joining his farewell

Novak Djokovic received a heartwarming tribute from Argentine tennis legend Juan Martin Del Potro after the Serb joined his farewell. The duo played in an exhibition singles match in Buenos Aires.

Del Potro had played his last competitive match in 2022 and with persistent injuries detailing his health and career, the Argentine had been hinting at retirement for several years. He, however, didn't retire officially until playing with Djokovic in the farewell match.

The former World No.3 beat 24-time Grand Slam champion 7-5, 6-4 in the exhibition match and shared a long embrace with him at the end. The Argentine has now penned an emotional tribute for Djokovic, who said it was a ‘special day for him’.

Taking to Instagram, he thanked the Serb for playing with him and claimed he couldn't have dreamt of any better companion for any better farewell.

"I do not have enough words to thank you for everything you did for me since that day at dinner in Miami, when you accepted this great madness to form part of my farewell in Argentina, despite your so complicated season. From that moment until the day you left my country, you showed generosity that I will never forget," he wrote in his caption.

The 36-year-old termed Novak Djokovic's attendance in Argentina as one that transcended tennis, stressing that Argentinians loved him very much.

"Your presence not only made this event unforgettable for me and my family but it transcended tennis. A whole country could enjoy and get excited with you, and it became clear that you are not only the greatest in sport history, but also in life. Argentina loves you," he added.

"I love you so much my friend. Thank you so much and see you soon," he concluded.

Del Potro won a total of 22 ATP singles titles in his career with the highlight being his 2009 US Open win, where he defeated five-time defending champion Roger Federer.

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Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic give emotional send-offs to Juan Martin Del Potro

Juan Martin Del Potro plays against Novak Djokovic in his farewell game - Source: Getty

Juan Martin was in tears several times during the farewell match against Novak Djokovic and after sharing a long embrace with the Serb at the end, he received an emotional tribute from the 24-time Grand Slam champion.

"Like everyone here in this stadium, I am very emotional today. I am also grateful for being able to play with my friend, with a great person and a great player, as well as a great rival. It is a very special day for me too. Juan Martin is an example for all of us, and his greatest victory in life is being a wonderful person," Novak Djokovic said (via Eurosport).

Roger Federer, who was shocked by the Argentine when he was looking for his sixth consecutive US Open title in 2009, hailed him as a special player and person and promised him that the best was yet to come for him.

"You were a very special player and person for the world of tennis, and I hope this moment is a beautiful one, one where you are celebrating, not a sad one. We all need to take that next step in life, and I believe the best for you is yet to come, Juan Martin," Federer said.

In addition to his remarkable achievements on the ATP tour, Del Potro also won a bronze and a silver medal at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics respectively.