Del Potro left 'struggling to walk' as US Open dream crushed

Juan Martin del Potro is reportedly 'struggling to walk' after injuries forced him to withdraw from this year's US Open where he hoped to play for the last time.

2009 US Open champion del Potro has been dealing with injuries that have derailed his career over the past few years. The former world No. 3 had a nightmare fall at Wimbledon 2019 which saw him fracture his kneecap.

The Argentinian player did not appear on the ATP Tour again until February 2022, where he played just one match at the Argentina Open, losing 6-1, 6-3 to Frederico Delbonis. After his defeat, del Potro left the court in tears and hinted at his retirement, withdrawing from subsequent tournaments.

However, the 34-year-old revealed his dream of competing at the US Open one more time, which he hoped to fulfill at the 2023 Slam at Flushing Meadows, where he defeated tennis legend Roger Federer in the final fourteen years ago.

"This is the most special tournament for me. I still have time, I will start training, see how my leg and knee react and if I can do it or not," he said.

Unfortunately, though, it wasn't to be. According to The Sun, del Potro is in constant pain and 'struggling to walk.' In a statement released on social media, the player announced his withdrawal from the US Open.

"As you know, my desire to return to a court as special as the US Open made me very excited. I tried by all means to reach term, but my body does not accompany me 100 per cent to be able to feel comfortable and happy to share, once again with you, a unique moment.

"They also know that the pain I feel does not allow me to still focus on a return. I will continue to look for the best alternatives to recover my quality of life. I thank you for the company, the understanding and the messages of encouragement you leave me. I send you a very big hug. I hope to see you soon," he wrote.

Whether or not del Potro will decide to try and compete at the US Open next year is not yet clear. If he chooses not to do so, his final match at the Slam will have been in 2018, when he made it to the final and finished as runner-up to Novak Djokovic.