Juan Martin Del Potro's match with Novak Djokovic, marking the end of his professional career, was emotional, but that did not stop the pair from having fun on the court.
Del Potro invited Djokovic to Bueno Aires for a farewell match a few months ago. The Serbian immediately accepted the invitation because he considers the Argentine a lovable person who has had a terrific impact on tennis.
The high point of Del Potro's career was winning the 2009 US Open. He thrashed Rafael Nadal in the semifinal before triumphing in a dramatic five-set battle against Roger Federer in the final at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
He almost certainly would have won more major titles, but Del Potro's career was cut short by repeated injury issues. The most notable of these was a knee injury that continues to plague him today.
In a recent emotional video, Del Potro revealed the heartbreaking details of how limited his life is due to the knee injury and several unsuccessful surgeries to try and fix the problem in recent years.
The 36-year-old lives in constant pain. It hurts when he walks up stairs, drives, or attempts to play football. One of the nicest people in tennis experiencing that ordeal is incredibly sad. Hopefully, a solution will be found to manage those physical issues.
Del Potro hoped to find peace on the court in his farewell with Djokovic, played in front of a packed and loud stadium of fans in Buenos Aires, and he certainly seemed to do that during a memorable occasion.
Djokovic was the perfect man for the exhibition. He played in a great spirit throughout, ensuring the exhibition ended with Del Potro winning his farewell match. Both men were in tears during the ceremony held afterward.
An example of the exhibition's spirit came when Del Potro cheekily asked Djokovic to imitate his great rival Rafael Nadal during the second set. Djokovic, never one to disappoint a crowd, obliged, as seen in the video below.
Djokovic imitated part of Nadal's legendary preparations before every point during that moment before receiving Del Potro's serve. The Spaniard was one of the most intense and superstitious players in tennis history.
Nadal's career ended after Team Spain lost to the Netherlands at last month's Davis Cup Finals. Unfortunately, his send-off did not feel fitting after he lost to Botic van de Zandschulp in the singles before the Spanish team was eventually eliminated.
Some were also disappointed with Nadal's retirement ceremony. His uncle and former coach, Toni Nadal, found it disappointing, while Carlos Moya, Nadal's coach until he retired, slammed it as shabby.
Djokovic and Roger Federer's absences were also notable. They were Nadal's most prominent rivals during his career, and it felt strange not having them in the stadium for the 14-time French Open champion's final moments as a professional player.
By contrast, Del Potro's ending did feel fitting. Playing Djokovic in front of home fans was the perfect choice, and the 24-time Grand Slam champion deserves credit for accepting the invitation and conducting himself perfectly throughout.