Novak Djokovic will meet one of his old rivals on the US Open’s Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Novak Djokovic will meet old foe Juan Martin del Potro ahead of the US Open (Image: Getty)
Juan Martin del Potro will finally make his long-awaited return to the US Open on Wednesday night. The 2009 champion was forced to retire from tennis in tears back in 2022 after going through years of hell with a knee injury.
But he is now set for an emotional outing alongside Novak Djokovic on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
After he retired at the Argentina Open more than two years ago, the man affectionately nicknamed ‘Delpo’ left the door open for a possible US Open return. Given his special memories at the tournament, he wanted to make a comeback last year and started training with the goal in mind.
But he eventually conceded and shared an emotional statement after his dreams were crushed. “I tried by all means to reach term, but my body does not accompany me 100 per cent to be able to feel comfortable and happy to share, once again with you, a unique moment,” the former world No. 3 said a year ago.
Twelve months later, Del Potro will finally have his wish granted. The 35-year-old will take to the main stadium court at the USTA Billie Jean King Tennis Centre on Wednesday evening for a practice session with world No. 2 Djokovic.
Juan Martin del Potro was forced to retire in tears at the 2022 Argentina Open (Image: Getty)
The pair have faced off in many important battles, including the 2018 US Open final where Djokovic came out on top. Del Potro also ousted the 24-time Grand Slam champion at the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games. Their London meeting was a bronze medal playoff while their Rio clash came in the first round.
It will also be Djokovic’s first appearance on court since he finally got his hands on a gold medal at the Paris 2024 Games. The Serb is the defending champion in Flushing Meadows and has not won a Grand Slam title so far this season.
The Delpo vs Djokovic training session is one of many star-studded practices taking place on Arthur Ashe Stadium on Wednesday. The day opens with a hit between Naomi Osaka and Amanda Anisimova before reigning women’s singles champion Coco Gauff and Jasmine Paolini take to the court.
Juan Martin Del Potro won the US Open in 2009 (Image: Getty)
Carlos Alcaraz will then practice with Grigor Dimitrov before Frances Tiafoe comes out for a session fresh off the back of his run to the Cincinnati Open final. And the day ends with Del Potro’s return.
US Open organisers have packed their schedule for fan week. On Tuesday night, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Paula Badosa won Mixed Madness, a mixed doubles exhibition tournament which also featured Naomi Osaka and Nick Kyrgios.
Djokovic will be back out on court later on Wednesday for a blockbuster doubles exhibition match. In a true generational clash, the 37-year-old will pair up with John McEnroe to face Alcaraz and Andre Agassi.
