Juan Martin Del Potro is getting himself in the best shape possible for an exhibition against Novak Djokovic in Buenos Aires, his final goodbye to tennis.
Djokovic used to be very strict about not playing exhibitions. The Serbian was firm about using the off-season to get in perfect shape to challenge for the most significant tournaments on the ATP Tour.
However, the 24-time Grand Slam champion's schedule is lighter now than it used to be. Djokovic is open about prioritizing the four majors and representing Serbia, saying he might be done with tournaments like the ATP Finals.
That approach means Djokovic has more time to play in exhibitions. In September, he played in an exhibition with good friend Grigor Dimitrov in Sofia, which included Djokovic and Dimitrov performing a hilarious strip tease.
Djokovic also participated in the Six Kings Slam exhibition in Saudi Arabia. Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Daniil Medvedev, and Holger Rune were the other players featured in the Middle East.
In a video announcing the exhibition with Del Potro, the Serbian made it clear that he said yes without hesitating. Djokovic later elaborated that he accepted the invitation because of Del Potro's lovable nature and impact on tennis.
Great players bidding farewell to tennis is always sad and emotional. 22-time Grand Slam champion Nadal's career ended after a quarterfinal loss in the Davis Cup Finals against the Netherlands.
A video the 2009 US Open champion made ahead of his farewell against Djokovic added an extra layer of sadness. In it, he revealed the effect of a long-term knee issue on his quality of life.
Del Potro could have left an even more significant tennis legacy were it not for constant injuries. Due to multiple setbacks, the 36-year-old's final ATP match came at the Argentina Open in Buenos Aires in 2022.
The former world No. 3 heartbreakingly revealed in the video that his knee injury means he lives in constant pain and stops him from doing basic hobbies like playing football.
That reality makes preparing for a match against some of Djokovic's caliber extremely challenging, but Del Potro revealed the steps he is taking to try and be in the best shape possible to compete in the exhibition.
"I started my diet, I'm losing weight, I'm training. I wanna arrive that match in the best shape possible. It's a match to say goodbye. Djokovic was very generous in accepting my invitation."
"I want to give him all the love possible. If at least for one, two or three hours I can be in peace and happy on a tennis court, it will be beautiful."
Hopefully, Del Potro finds the peace he craves during the exhibition. He deserves it after an outstanding career and for conducting himself impeccably on the court over the years.
Djokovic's next focus after the exhibition will be preparing for the 2025 Australian Open. The 10-time champion in Melbourne plans to compete in the opening week of next season to prepare for the first Grand Slam of the year.