Following
Juan Martin Del Potro's announcement that he could retire after the
Argentina Open, former World No.4 James Blake recalled a lovely moment that she shared with the Argentine at the 2013
US Open.
Blake fell to Ivo Karlovic in his final professional tennis match, which took place at Flushing Meadows in 2013. The American was distraught after blowing a two sets to love lead against the Croatian, losing the match in five sets. Blake recounted a lovely story where Del Potro waited in the locker room after his match just so he could give him a hug.
“The time del Potro waited for an hour in the US Open locker room for the last match of my career to finish so he could give me a hug,” Blake responded to an ATP tour tweet calling for fans’ favorite del Potro moment.
“A giant man with a giant heart. Much love and best wishes for the next chapter, my friend.”
Del Potro lost in his opening round match to Federico Delbonis at the Argentina Open, after taking two years off to address several surgeries. Although he is still scheduled to compete at the
Rio Open next week, the Argentine has hinted at retirement following the loss.