August 17 – In a heartfelt announcement, Argentine tennis sensation Juan Martin del Potro shared his disappointment and regret in being unable to make a triumphant return to the US Open this year due to health constraints.
The former US Open champion, who clinched the title in 2009, took to social media on Wednesday to candidly express his current health status and the challenges that prevent him from making the long-anticipated comeback he had eagerly aspired to achieve.
Del Potro, renowned for his powerful plays and indomitable spirit, expressed his desire to engage in a farewell match at Flushing Meadows during an interview with The Associated Press in April. This aspiration, however, hinged upon the well-being of his right knee. The U.S. Tennis Association had extended their warm welcome for his return, yet his name was conspicuously absent from the list of players who were granted wild cards for the main draw, announced on Wednesday.
Subsequently, in a poignant revelation a few hours later, del Potro divulged that his health was not at the level he had hoped for, leaving him without the comfort and confidence needed to perform at his best. His commitment to the sport and his fans remains unswerving as he embarks on a quest to explore alternative solutions that will allow him to participate in the future.
Del Potro’s journey has been marked by triumphs and setbacks, with wrist injuries once impeding the powerhouse of his right arm that propelled him to defeat Roger Federer and seize the coveted 2009 title. Overcoming those hurdles, he displayed remarkable resilience to reach the final once more in 2018, narrowly losing to Novak Djokovic.
Unfortunately, a string of right knee injuries halted his progress from June 2019 until a solitary match in Argentina in February 2022.
The tennis community and fans around the world stand in solidarity with Juan Martin del Potro as he navigates the path to recovery and reevaluation of his playing career. His contributions to the sport have been immense, and his unwavering dedication serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and enthusiasts alike.