Juan Martin del Potro performed his final match in his profession in Buenos Aires in February 2022. After almost three years, the Argentine returned to the court docket, competing in entrance of the house followers for the final time earlier than terminating his tennis journey following quite a few setbacks.
The 2009 US Open winner completed the 2018 season within the top-5, attaining that for the primary time since 2013. Juan Martin claimed his first Masters 1000 trophy in Indian Wells and competed within the US Open last, giving every thing however falling to his nice pal, Novak Djokovic.
Juan Martin del Potro, Shanghai 2018© Stream screenshot
Two knee accidents and 4 surgical procedures!
A few weeks later, Juan Martin encountered a fractured proper kneecap in opposition to Borna Coric in Shanghai. He stayed away from the court docket till February 2019 and misplaced the rhythm. The Argentine skilled one other horrible luck at Queen’s, beating Denis Shapovalov however injured his knee once more.
This one ended his profession and began a horrible string of surgical procedures and setbacks that prevented him from residing a standard life! Del Potro underwent surgical procedure in Barcelona a few days later, hoping to embrace one other restoration course of and prolong his profession.
Roger Federer & Juan Martin del Potro, Indian Wells 2018© Stream screenshot
Nevertheless, issues didn’t go his manner, and he wanted two extra surgical procedures in January and August of 2020. Searching for long-term options, Juan Martin underwent a fourth knee surgical procedure in March 2021 in Chicago, wishing to recuperate and compete on the Olympic Video games in Tokyo.
Regardless of all of the efforts, there have been no indicators of enchancment, and the good Argentine entered the 2022 Buenos Aires Open to finish his profession. He misplaced to his compatriot Federico Delbonis, crying forward of the ultimate recreation and saying goodbye to his beloved sport.
Les frissons !
Les larmes de Juan Martin Del Potro et l’hommage des supporters argentins, il y a 2 ans, le 9 février 2022, avant le dernier jeu de sa carrière, au tournoi de Buenos Aires. 😍pic.twitter.com/zhawdHxvvN
— Tennis Legend (@TennisLegende) February 9, 2024 Juan Martin’s untold struggles – A journey by means of ache and perseverance
Del Potro has skilled many troublesome moments since his final skilled match! He opened up about his struggles, explaining his on a regular basis life and plenty of difficult moments he has to cope with.
As a substitute of preventing in opposition to his rivals on the court docket, del Potro has handled a much more private opponent – a physique that has refused to heal, even after years of surgical procedures and coverings. Juan Martin’s final match was particularly necessary as a result of it highlighted his effort to play by means of the excruciating ache that had grow to be his fixed companion.
Juan Martin del Potro© Stream screenshot
He wished to place apart fixed questions on his restoration and discover a piece. He boarded a aircraft to Switzerland and underwent his fifth knee surgical procedure, nonetheless dreaming about enjoying aggressive tennis once more. The newest surgical procedure marked the start of one other chapter in his wrestle.
Juan Martin spent two and a half months enduring rehabilitation in a small city close to Basel. Nevertheless, medical doctors instructed the sixth surgical procedure, and del Potro traveled to the USA to recuperate. The previous world no. 3 endured in numerous remedies, over 100 injections, nerve burns, and tendon blocks!
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 10, 2018
The predictions following the primary surgical procedure in 2019 had been optimistic. Nevertheless, Juan Martin has but to take pleasure in each day actions with out feeling insufferable ache whereas climbing a staircase, delivering mattress, standing up, or strolling! Del Potro’s life revolves round sports activities, which makes his scenario much more difficult.
The Argentine can’t compete in opposition to his pals on a soccer or paddle court docket, sitting on the sidelines and watching or filming. Regardless of his unwavering dedication, the countless cycle of surgical procedures and disappointments has examined his psychological fortitude, with knee points overpowering him.
Juan Martin del Potro© Stream screenshot
What no tennis fan knew, Juan Martin stands at a crossroads of inauspicious selections and uncertainty! Ruling out one possibility after one other, medical doctors have instructed a knee prosthesis to enhance his high quality of life.
Nonetheless, they’ve totally different opinions about when he ought to embrace a prosthesis, with one physician suggesting instant intervention and the opposite ready till he turns 50! Thus, the Argentine born in 1988 is going through a large dilemma.
Nevertheless, he doesn’t like the choice to dwell with this ache for 15 extra years, looking for aid as a substitute. Juan Martin’s each day routine contains taking as much as eight drugs to regulate the ache, irritation, and anxiousness. But, he’s desirous to discover a long-term answer to his downside, giving up on enjoying tennis however looking for a standard life with out ache.
Juan Martin del Potro© Stream screenshot
Del Potro shared his story to achieve out to these going through related or totally different challenges. His emotional message reveals the human aspect of a warrior who has confronted adversity with braveness and resilience. Juan Martin del Potro’s story is a testomony to the complexities of life after sports activities.
It reminds us that even the strongest amongst us have limits and that pursuing bodily and emotional therapeutic requires far more than dedication alone. For del Potro, the combat continues each day. He gave up on the game he adores to hunt an injury-free life with internal peace.
