Nadal lauds Del Potro following potential retirement - "The only thing I wish him is happiness"

The outpouring of support for Juan Martin Del Potro continues to flow following his potential retirement two weeks ago at the Argentina Open, with Rafael Nadal chiming in with words of praise for the Argentine.

Del Potro overcame two years of injuries and surgery to attempt a comeback on the ATP Tour, falling in the first round to compatriot Federico Delbonis at the Argentina Open. Following what looked to be his final professional match, Nadal joined many in praising the 2009 US Open champion for his achievements over more than 15 years on the ATP circuit.

"He has been one of the most charismatic players on the tour for a long time,” Nadal told the ATP from Acapulco ahead of his campaign at this week’s Mexican Open.

“I feel very sorry that he was not able to enjoy the career that he deserved because of all the physical injuries and problems that he had over the years.

“I feel very sorry for him, the only thing that I wish him is happiness and hopefully he can continue with his life in a positive way without suffering too much pain every single day.”

Nadal and del Potro shared a number of iconic encounters over the years, including an Olympic semi-final at Rio 2016 which saw the Argentinian giant defeat the Spaniard to reach the final and secure one of his crowning achievements, an Olympic silver medal to go along with his bronze from London 2012.

The pair also played out an epic quarter-final in 2018 at Wimbledon, their penultimate ever meeting, as Nadal triumphed in five sets after more than four and a half hours on court.