Tennis great Juan Martin Del Potro attempted a dramatic comeback at the 2023 US Open – but it wasn’t to be. The last few years of the 2009 US Open champion’s career has been derailed by injuries, affecting the popular Argentine’s physical health off the court as well as on it.
He reached World No. 3 in 2018 and earned $25 million in prize money across his career, which was plagued by injuries to his wrist and knees. His career appeared over at Queen’s in 2019, when a tragic slip on the grass saw him fracture his kneecap.
Del Potro returned to action at an ATP 250 event in Buenos Aires in February 2022. He would play just one match, losing 6-1 6-3 to Federico Delbonis before leaving the court in tears and withdrawing from subsequent tournaments.
Del Potro told reporters he would likely retire citing ongoing knee pain as a chief reason. He withdrew from the Rio Open on February 11 2022 and has not played any matches since, dropping out of both the singles and doubles world rankings.
However, in March earlier this year, Del Potro sensationally announced he would begin training for a potential return at the 2023 US Open. He has fond memories at Flushing Meadows, stunning both Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer to win the Grand Slam back in 2009 when he was just 20 years of age while also reaching the 2017 semifinals and 2018 final.
As a result, the 34-year-old is desperate to play at the US Open, and earlier this year said: “The physical problem and my knee are things I work on every day. I will leave this window open, at least until the US Open as I said.
“This is the most special tournament for me. I still have time, I will start training, see how my leg and knee react and if I can do it or not.”
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Unfortunately, training was not a resounding success; Del Potro is in constant pain, with The Sun claiming he is struggling to walk.. While there has been no official retirement, he recently issued an update: “As you know, my desire to return to a court as special as the US Open made me very excited. 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.
“They also know that the pain I feel does not allow me to still focus on a return. I will continue to look for the best alternatives to recover my quality of life. I thank you for the company, the understanding and the messages of encouragement you leave me. I send you a very big hug. I hope to see you soon.”
Del Potro’s discouraging update leaves an on-court farewell at Arthur Ashe Stadium appearing unlikely, particularly as he will have to wait until 2024. It means his final appearance at the US Open would be his final defeat to Novak Djokovic five years ago, a fitting goodbye if not the one the Argentine dreamed of.
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