Six years after their meeting in the 2018 final, defending US Open champion Novak Djokovic and 2009 titlist Juan Martin del Potro traded groundstrokes again in Arthur Ashe Stadium—this time for a marquee practice session during Fan Week.
The pair met for the 20th and final time at tour-level in Rome in 2019, with del Potro retiring in 2022. Reuniting outside the heat of competition, the two fan favorites sweated and smiled all the way through their 90-minute session in Ashe.
At the start of their practice, both players were mic'd up for a quick chat with ESPN. Asked if his recent Olympic gold medal was his greatest achievement, Djokovic turned the attention to his hitting partner.
"My greatest success ever was beating Juan Martin del Potro in the final of US Open in 2018," the Serb joked.
"My biggest success was beating you in Rio," replied del Potro, who won the singles silver medal at the 2016 Games in Brazil.
"And in London!" added Djokovic. "Delpo is my nemesis at the Olympic Games. He's been my slayer."
Del Potro also took home a silver medal at the 2012 London Games, earning two of his four victories against Djokovic at the Olympics. Having had so much success on the Olympic stage, the Argentine was overcome with emotion upon seeing Djokovic break through to win gold.
"He made me cry the other day when he won the gold medal," del Potro said. "It was the first tennis match that I cried."
