In a night expected to be highly emotional, Juan Martín Del Potro and Novak Djokovic were reduced to tears at the net after the former's official farewell exhibition.
The pair played in front of a packed-out stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to commemorate Del Potro's career and standing in the sport.
Sadly, injuries robbed the 2009 US Open champion of a chance to consistently compete at the top, having undergone eight surgeries since 2010, including four knee surgeries in the past five years.
Last week, Del Potro spoke publically for the first time about his injury setbacks, admitting he struggles to walk up the stairs and sleep at night without any pain.
The 36-year-old won the encounter 6-4 7-5, but the night belonged to the former world No.3 regardless of the result.
A lengthy hug at the net left both players shedding tears, with Del Potro kissing Djokovic's head as a sign of respect for travelling to South America to be part of the Argentine's final playing chapter.
Moments later, Del Potro placed his renowned headband on the net, signalling the end of a storied career that should have contained more highlights to cherish.
"Like everyone here in this stadium, I am very emotional. I am also grateful to be able to play with my friend, a great person and player. A great rival too. It's a very special day for me as well because it has been a long time since I saw Juan Martín for the first time," Djokovic said post-match.
"I think that in recent times, I feel Juan Martín much closer to my heart because when you play against your beloved rival, it's a bit different. You have respect but you want to win all the time.
"I don't know a person who doesn't love Juan Martín. I come from a country where values are important, like how someone behaves. It's important to always have respect. I think he is an example for all of us. He is a wonderful person."
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