Del Potro tried everything to make it to the 'special' US Open but his body failed him
ATPWednesday, 16 August 2023 at 22:43
Juan Martin del Potro seemingly retired last year at the 2022 Argentina Open and cited ongoing knee pain that had blighted him throughout the latter half of his career.
Del Potro lost in the first round and said it was maybe a farewell than a comeback. Soon enough, the former US Open champion said that he was training to play at Flushing Meadows this year.
This was despite the debilitating pain he found himself in and constant surgeries as he couldn't let his tennis dream go, but seemingly he now has.
A statement from Del Potro this evening in Spanish said that he has not achieved his mission in being ready and that the pain he feels doesn't allow it. Likely meaning, he has finally closed the door on a comeback.
But he did say that he is looking for alternatives to return to the best quality of life. Whether that is to return eventually next year or just the pain he feels in everyday life in tennis remains to be seen.
As expected though, he will not play in New York this year for one final swansong in bad news for fans of the Argentine.
"As you know, my desire to return to a court as special as the US Open had me very excited," said Del Potro in his statement translated to English.
"I tried, by all means, to make it to the end, but my body is not 100% ready to feel comfortable and happy to share, once again with you, a unique moment. You also know that the pain I feel does not allow me to focus on a return. I will continue to look for the best alternatives to recover my quality of life."
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
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