On Sunday, Juan Martín del Potro says goodbye with an exhibition match against Novak Djokovic. The Argentine has been suffering from health problems for years.
The most important thing in brief
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Juan Martín del Potro talks about his many operations in recent years.
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He played his last game in 2022. Before and after, his knee caused him major problems.
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On Sunday the Argentine will say goodbye with an exhibition match against Novak Djokovic.
Juan Martín del Potro opened up about his long-standing health problems in an emotional Instagram video. The 36-year-old spoke openly about his pain and fears and gave a deep insight into his life away from the tennis court.
Del Potro, who had to end his career early due to his numerous injuries, explained that he had not been able to walk properly since he was 32 and had to take several tablets every day for pain and inflammation.
“I haven’t been able to run properly since I was 31. I can’t climb stairs anymore.” Every day when he gets up, he says, he has to take six to eight tablets.
Despite eight operations, the former professional athlete’s suffering could not be alleviated. Two fractures of the right kneecap within just eight months between 2018 and 2019 were particularly stressful.
Del Potro: “Nightmare without end”
In addition to his health problems, Del Potro also looks back on an impressive sporting career: He won a total of 22 tournaments, including the US Open in 2009, when he defeated Roger Federer in the final. He also won two medals at the Olympic Games and led the Argentine team to win the Davis Cup in 2016.
Del Potro played his last professional match in early 2022 in Buenos Aires against compatriot Federico Delbonis. At that time he shed tears on the pitch before the last game.
Despite his impressive career, it is above all the tennis star’s story of suffering that is moving: “It’s like a nightmare without end,” is how Del Potro describes his situation.
Even though some doctors would advise him to have an artificial knee joint, he still can’t bring himself to do it: “I just want to live my life without pain.”
Last game against Djokovic
Now there is a final show match against Novak Djokovic on Sunday. It’s an opportunity for Juan Martín del Potro to say goodbye to his fans. The Argentine said he hoped to have a few hours of rest in his leg.
