Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer – three names that have absolutely shaped the sport of tennis over the past 20 years. There weren’t too many players who could seriously stand up to the trio. One of them, however, was Juan Martin del Potro, whose career ended tragically.
A Life of Pain: Juan Martin del Petro.
picture alliance / DPPI media
The fact that Juan Martin del Potro, who was born in Tandil, Argentina, was an exceptional talent became clear in 2008 at the latest, when the Argentine set a record by becoming the first player ever to win his first four titles at four consecutive tournaments (Stuttgart, Kitzbühel, Los Angeles and Washington) – 18 more titles were to be added over the years.
His greatest success is undoubtedly the US Open victory in 2009, in which he defeated Rafael Nadal 6:2, 6:2 and 6:2 in the semifinals and then defeated Roger Federer 3:6, 7:6, 4 in the final :6, 7:6 and 6:2 and had ended his 40-game winning streak in Flushing Meadows. Along with Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, del Potro is the only player to have defeated the Swiss maestro in a Grand Slam final.
When the body doesn’t cooperate
Del Potro was an excellent baseline player, had a brutally strong forehand and a powerful serve. It wasn’t just his tennis that stood out, his height of 1.98 meters also made it hard to miss him – this is where his nickname “Tower of Tandil” comes from. A rosy future was predicted for him, but things turned out differently. The reason: injuries!
I haven’t been able to walk since I was 31. I can no longer climb stairs, kick a ball and have never played tennis again.
In 2010 he was derailed by a wrist injury – he continued in pain for months before undergoing surgery. A deep fall in the world rankings followed, but del Potro, known for his great fighting heart, did what he did best: He fought his way back to the top of the world and caused a stir every now and then, and it was enough for the really big titles but no longer with the charismatic and globally popular giant.
This was also due to the fact that injuries were now his constant companions; there were always minor and major injuries – along with further operations. The end came in 2018: a fracture of the right kneecap. The right knee didn’t work anymore and had to be operated on again and again. Finally, del Potro announced the end of his career after his departure from Buenos Aires in 2022.
Pretty good friends
Novak Djokovic consoles Juan Martin del Potro (right) after losing the 2018 US Open final.
IMAGO/ABACAPRESS
But “Delpo” couldn’t let go completely; he wanted to say a proper goodbye to his fans – dance one last tango on the tennis court. He will now do that on Sunday. His opponent will be none other than Novak Djokovic. Incidentally, the Argentine was twice the man who stood in the way of Djokovic’s dream of Olympic gold, that was the case in London in 2012 and in Rio in 2016.
A deeply dismayed Djokovic said in 2016 that he was at least glad he was eliminated against “his friend.” But it was also unforgettable when Djokovic comforted his defeated and crying opponent after his final victory at the US Open 2018 – both men now have a close friendship.
A life full of pain
Consequently, it seemed fitting that del Potro would play his last tennis match against Djokovic. How that will work remains to be seen, because the 36-year-old is actually no longer able to do any sports. “I haven’t been able to walk since I was 31. I can’t climb stairs, kick a ball and I’ve never played tennis again,” del Potro confessed in a video he shared on social media.
“Every morning when I get up I have to take six to eight tablets,” reveals the 36-year-old and admits: “My daily life is not as I would like it to be.” His greatest wish is to be able to “just live my life without pain,” because “it’s very difficult to maintain a facade 24 hours a day.”
Del Potro has already undergone knee surgery eight times, all just to have less pain – so far without success. But against the Djoker he now hopes to have “at least two or three hours of rest” in his knee “to enjoy my last time on a tennis court”.
