Juan Martín del Potro, a former US Open champion, has opened up about the lasting impact of injuries on his career and daily life. Once a dominant force in tennis, the Argentinian has faced years of physical and emotional struggle since his professional journey came to a premature end.
The 36-year-old last appeared on the professional circuit in February 2022 at the Argentina Open. That event marked what seemed to be a poignant conclusion to his career, with Del Potro bowing out in the first round. This followed an extended absence from the sport due to a devastating knee injury sustained at Queen’s Club in 2019. Despite his efforts to recover, the injury left him unable to regain his competitive edge.
Reflecting on his life post-tennis, Del Potro shared the challenges he endures daily. Simple activities such as climbing stairs or driving bring him pain, a stark reminder of the toll his injuries have taken. He candidly described the difficulty of adapting to a life without the sport that defined him, lamenting his inability to play recreational sports like football or padel. The physical suffering is compounded by the psychological burden, as he revealed struggles with anxiety and the need to mask his feelings.
Del Potro’s road to recovery has been fraught with obstacles. After undergoing knee surgery following his injury at Queen’s, he was initially optimistic about a swift return to the sport. Doctors had projected he would be back on the court within three months, prompting him to sign up for tournaments later that year. However, the reality was far harsher. The pain persisted, preventing him from performing even basic movements without discomfort. His dreams of a comeback were dashed, and the disappointment of unfulfilled potential has lingered ever since.
Despite these challenges, Del Potro is not without hope. He has found a renewed sense of purpose in preparing for a farewell exhibition match against Novak Djokovic in Buenos Aires next month. This highly anticipated event will give him the chance to step back onto the court one last time, albeit not in a competitive capacity. Del Potro expressed his gratitude to Djokovic for accepting the invitation, underscoring the emotional significance of this match. For Del Potro, the exhibition represents an opportunity to experience the joy of tennis once more, even if only temporarily.
In preparation for the event, Del Potro has undertaken a rigorous regimen to improve his physical condition. He has embraced a new diet and training routine, determined to be in the best possible shape for his final appearance on the court. This effort reflects not only his enduring love for the sport but also his desire to bid farewell on his own terms.
Del Potro’s career, though tragically cut short, remains one of remarkable achievement. As a 20-year-old in 2009, he announced his arrival on the global stage by defeating Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer to claim the US Open title. His powerful forehand and towering 6-foot-6 frame made him a formidable presence on the court, and he was widely regarded as a player capable of challenging the era’s greatest stars. However, recurring injuries hindered his progress, and he would only reach one more Grand Slam final, finishing runner-up to Djokovic at the 2018 US Open.
Beyond his Grand Slam success, Del Potro’s career highlights include winning 22 singles titles and achieving a career-high world ranking of No. 3 in 2018. Notably, he claimed victory at the Indian Wells Masters that same year. On the Olympic stage, he secured a silver medal at the 2016 Games, narrowly missing gold in a thrilling final against Andy Murray. These accomplishments solidify his legacy as one of the sport’s most talented players, even as injuries prevented him from reaching his full potential.
As he looks toward his farewell match, Del Potro remains a figure of resilience and grace. While the pain and limitations from his injuries persist, his determination to find closure on the tennis court is a testament to his enduring passion for the game. For both Del Potro and his fans, this final appearance will be a poignant celebration of an extraordinary career and the indomitable spirit that defined it.
