Novak Djokovic to grant longtime rival 'dream' retirement match

Here's a question for a future episode of "Jeopardy!" or any other quiz show: Who was the only non-European player to win a major since Andy Roddick triumphed at the 2003 U.S. Open?

The answer? Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro, who captured the 2009 U.S. Open, briefly ending the Euro dominance of Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.

It's only fitting that the big-serving Del Potro — a fan-favorite for years at Flushing Meadows and Wimbledon — will receive a grand farewell from the sport later this year.

On Thursday, the former World No. 3 announced he would play an exhibition match against his "dream opponent" Djokovic in December before officially hanging up the racket.

"I have a dream. I want to play my last match in Argentina, and I want you to be there," Del Potro said to Djokovic in a promotional video.

"Are you kidding me? Of course, I'll be there," Djokovic responded. "For you? In Argentina? Yes, of course, I'll be there."

It was later confirmed that Del Potro and Djokovic will clash in "The Final Challenge" on Dec. 1 at the iconic Parque Roca in Buenos Aires.

The video also included a montage of Djokovic and Del Potro's rivalry over the last two decades. Although Djokovic dominated the Argentine 16-4 in their 20 matchups, they produced riveting tennis every time they crossed paths on a court. Some of those classics include their five-setter in the semifinals of the 2013 Wimbledon and their finals clash at the 2018 U.S. Open.

Furthermore, Del Potro denied Djokovic an Olympic medal at the 2012 London Games and 2016 Rio Games, defeating the Serb on both occasions in hard-fought battles. That would explain why Djokovic called his Paris Games triumph his "biggest sporting success" as he finally crossed the Olympic hurdle.

Del Potro, 35, last played a competitive match in Feb. 2022 at the ATP 250 event in Buenos Aires. He attempted a comeback at the 2023 U.S. Open for a farewell tour but pulled out due to a knee injury.

Unfortunately, injuries were a recurring theme during Del Potro's career, preventing him from achieving greater heights. While he retires with 22 ATP titles, it's undeniable that injuries robbed him of more glory.