Juan Martín Del Potro carved out an impressive career during the era dominated by the “Big Three” of Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal. Del Potro, who famously defeated Federer in the 2009 U.S. Open final, reached as high as No. 3 in the ATP rankings in August 2018.
As a respected voice in tennis, the Argentinian didn’t shy away from weighing in on the GOAT debate. Del Potro declared Djokovic as his pick, putting the Serbian above both Federer and Nadal.
“Obviously, the numbers back him up,” Del Potro told ESPN. “Even Novak himself has said he doesn’t care for these discussions. But when it comes down to preferences, some identify more with Roger, others with Rafa. What Novak has achieved in tennis is obviously unmatched.”
Del Potro praised Djokovic’s monumental impact, not only on tennis but on the wider sporting world. “I’m not sure anyone can replicate it,” he continued. “When you look at his personality, his presence—it transcends tennis and becomes part of the history of sports.”
Novak Djokovic and Juan Martin del Potro practice court at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing. (IMAGO / Cover-Images)
Preparing for a farewell match against Djokovic
On December 1, Del Potro will take on Djokovic in an exhibition match marking the final chapter of his career. The 36-year-old Argentine has battled a devastating knee injury that kept him off the court for extended periods, ultimately leading to his retirement decision.
see also
Roger Federer or Novak Djokovic? Rafael Nadal reveals his biggest rival
Djokovic’s historic achievements
Novak Djokovic’s illustrious career includes a staggering 99 titles. His incredible longevity and consistency have not only set records but also cemented his legacy as one of the most accomplished athletes in history.
2024 (1)
- Gold medal in 2024 Paris Olympic Games
2023 (7)
- Australian Open
- Adelaide International 1
- Roland Garros
- ATP Masters 1000 Cincinnati
- US Open
- ATP Masters 1000 Paris
- ATP Finals
2022 (5)
- Nitto ATP Finals
- Astana
- Tel Aviv
- Wimbledon
- ATP Masters 1000 Rome
2021 (5)
- ATP Masters 1000 Paris
- Wimbledon
- Roland Garros
- Belgrade 2
- Australian Open
2020 (4)
- ATP Masters 1000 Rome
- ATP Masters 1000 Cincinnati
- Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships
- Australian Open
2019 (5)
- ATP Masters 1000 Paris
- Tokyo
- Wimbledon
- ATP Masters 1000 Madrid
- Australian Open
2018 (4)
- ATP Masters 1000 Shanghai
- US Open
- ATP Masters 1000 Cincinnati
- Wimbledon
2017 (2)
- Eastbourne
- Doha
2016 (7)
- ATP Masters 1000 Canada
- Roland Garros
- ATP Masters 1000 Madrid
- ATP Masters 1000 Miami
- ATP Masters 1000 Indian Wells
- Australian Open
- Doha
2015 (11)
- ATP Finals
- ATP Masters 1000 Paris
- ATP Masters 1000 Shanghai
- Beijing
- US Open
- Wimbledon
- ATP Masters 1000 Rome
- ATP Masters 1000 Monte Carlo
- ATP Masters 1000 Miami
- ATP Masters 1000 Indian Wells
- Australian Open
2014 (7)
- ATP Finals
- ATP Masters 1000 Paris
- Beijing
- Wimbledon
- ATP Masters 1000 Rome
- ATP Masters 1000 Miami
- ATP Masters 1000 Indian Wells
2013 (7)
- ATP Finals
- ATP Masters 1000 Paris
- ATP Masters 1000 Shanghai
- Beijing
- ATP Masters 1000 Monte Carlo
- Dubai
- Australian Open
2012 (6)
- ATP Finals
- ATP Masters 1000 Shanghai
- Beijing
- ATP Masters 1000 Canada
- ATP Masters 1000 Miami
- Australian Open
2011 (10)
- US Open
- ATP Masters 1000 Canada
- Wimbledon
- ATP Masters 1000 Rome
- ATP Masters 1000 Madrid
- Belgrade
- ATP Masters 1000 Miami
- ATP Masters 1000 Indian Wells
- Dubai
- Australian Open
2010 (2)
- Beijing
- Dubai
2009 (5)
- ATP Masters 1000 Paris
- Basel
- Beijing
- Belgrade
- Dubai
2008 (4)
- Tennis Masters Cup
- ATP Masters 1000 Rome
- ATP Masters 1000 Indian Wells
- Australian Open
2007 (5)
- Vienna
- ATP Masters 1000 Canada
- Estoril
- ATP Masters 1000 Miami
- Adelaide
2006 (2)
- Metz
- Amersfoort
