Juan Martin del Potro played his last match in his career in Buenos Aires in February 2022. After nearly three years, the Argentine returned to the court, competing in front of the home fans for the last time before terminating his tennis journey following numerous setbacks.
The 2009 US Open winner finished the 2018 season in the top-5, achieving that for the first time since 2013. Juan Martin claimed his first Masters 1000 trophy in Indian Wells and competed in the US Open final, giving everything but falling to his great friend, Novak Djokovic.
Juan Martin del Potro, Shanghai 2018© Stream screenshot
Two knee injuries and four surgeries!
A couple of weeks later, Juan Martin encountered a fractured right kneecap against Borna Coric in Shanghai. He stayed away from the court until February 2019 and lost the rhythm. The Argentine experienced another terrible luck at Queen’s, beating Denis Shapovalov but injured his knee again.
This one ended his career and started a horrible string of surgeries and setbacks that prevented him from living a normal life! Del Potro underwent surgery in Barcelona a couple of days later, hoping to embrace another recovery process and extend his career.
Roger Federer & Juan Martin del Potro, Indian Wells 2018© Stream screenshot
However, things did not go his way, and he needed two more surgeries in January and August of 2020. Seeking long-term solutions, Juan Martin underwent a fourth knee surgery in March 2021 in Chicago, wishing to recover and compete at the Olympic Games in Tokyo.
Despite all the efforts, there were no signs of improvement, and the great Argentine entered the 2022 Buenos Aires Open to end his career. He lost to his compatriot Federico Delbonis, crying ahead of the final game 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 through pain and perseverance
Del Potro has experienced many difficult moments since his last professional match! He opened up about his struggles, explaining his everyday life and many challenging moments he has to deal with.
Instead of fighting against his rivals on the court, del Potro has dealt with a far more personal opponent – a body that has refused to heal, even after years of surgeries and treatments. Juan Martin’s last match was especially important because it highlighted his effort to play through the excruciating pain that had become his constant companion.
Juan Martin del Potro© Stream screenshot
He wanted to put aside constant questions about his recovery and find a piece. He boarded a plane to Switzerland and underwent his fifth knee surgery, still dreaming about playing competitive tennis again. The latest surgery marked the beginning of another chapter in his struggle.
Juan Martin spent two and a half months enduring rehabilitation in a small town near Basel. However, doctors suggested the sixth surgery, and del Potro traveled to the USA to recover. The former world no. 3 persisted in countless treatments, over 100 injections, nerve burns, and tendon blocks!
Your 2018 champion and runner-up.
Congratulations @DjokerNole & @delpotrojuan!https://t.co/3geRmZNXkq#USOpen pic.twitter.com/tyvkIlgmJU
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 10, 2018
The predictions following the first surgery in 2019 were optimistic. However, Juan Martin has yet to enjoy daily activities without feeling unbearable pain while climbing a staircase, turning in bed, standing up, or walking! Del Potro’s life revolves around sports, which makes his situation even more challenging.
The Argentine can not compete against his friends on a football or paddle court, sitting on the sidelines and watching or filming. Despite his unwavering determination, the endless cycle of surgeries and disappointments has tested his mental fortitude, with knee issues overpowering him.
Juan Martin del Potro© Stream screenshot
What no tennis fan knew, Juan Martin stands at a crossroads of difficult decisions and uncertainty! Ruling out one option after another, doctors have suggested a knee prosthesis to improve his quality of life.
Still, they have different opinions about when he should embrace a prosthesis, with one doctor suggesting immediate intervention and the other waiting until he turns 50! Thus, the Argentine born in 1988 is facing a massive dilemma.
However, he does not like the option to live with this pain for 15 more years, seeking relief instead. Juan Martin’s daily routine includes taking up to eight pills to control the pain, inflammation, and anxiety. Yet, he is eager to find a long-term solution to his problem, giving up on playing tennis but seeking a normal life without pain.
Juan Martin del Potro© Stream screenshot
Del Potro shared his story to reach out to those facing similar or different challenges. His emotional message reveals the human side of a warrior who has faced adversity with courage and resilience. Juan Martin del Potro’s story is a testament to the complexities of life after sports.
It reminds us that even the strongest among us have limits and that pursuing physical and emotional healing requires much more than determination alone. For del Potro, the fight continues on a daily basis. He gave up on the sport he adores to seek an injury-free life with inner peace.