Juan Martin del Potro was once one of the most talented tennis players in the world. During the prime of his career, he reached remarkable heights, including winning the 2009 U.S. Open by defeating Roger Federer, and climbing to No. 3 in the ATP world rankings. Despite his immense talent and powerful game, del Potro’s career was plagued by frequent injuries, ultimately forcing him to retire in 2022 after a series of setbacks that prevented him from competing at his best.
Since his retirement, del Potro has faced a difficult road filled with constant pain and numerous surgeries. The Argentinian tennis star has undergone eight surgeries throughout his career, and he recently opened up about the challenges he’s faced since stepping away from the sport, describing his post-tennis life as a “never-ending nightmare.”
In a candid interview, del Potro shared details of his struggles, revealing the physical and emotional toll that his injuries have taken on him. “Nobody knew this, but the day after I played my last match against [Federico] Delbonis, I took a flight to Switzerland and had my fifth knee surgery,” del Potro explained. “Since then, I never made my surgeries public again, as I found some peace in the press conference before that match against Federico, saying it would probably be my last match. People stopped asking me constantly when I would come back and play again. I did all this process secretly, and if it worked, I would announce that I would come back.”
Del Potro’s final match, which took place in Buenos Aires against Delbonis, was an emotional farewell for both him and his fans. After years of battling injuries, it seemed like the right moment to step away from the game.
However, the challenges did not end there. Despite multiple surgeries and a desire to return to normalcy, del Potro has been unable to find relief from his pain.
“After that first surgery until today, I’ve never been able to go up a set of stairs without pain,” del Potro shared. “It hurts many times when I try to sleep, when I turn on my side, or when I wake up because I get these sharp pains. It’s like a never-ending nightmare that I’m trying daily to find solutions and alternatives for, but I can’t find them.” His words reveal the physical agony that continues to impact his daily life, long after he played his last professional match.
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The toll of his injuries has extended beyond just physical discomfort. Del Potro described how his struggle to overcome the pain has required constant medical intervention. “Each day, I have to take six or seven pills just to manage,” he admitted. “It’s a daily reminder of everything I’ve gone through, and sometimes it feels like there’s no end in sight.” His openness about the daily battle with pain highlights the harsh reality faced by many elite athletes whose bodies endure years of wear and tear.
Despite these challenges, del Potro remains connected to the tennis world, and fans are eagerly anticipating his return to the court—albeit in a different capacity. On December 1, he will play an exhibition match against Novak Djokovic.
It will be a special occasion for del Potro, as it marks his first time back on the court since retirement. Although the exhibition will not carry the competitive intensity of a Grand Slam match, it will be an opportunity for del Potro to reconnect with the sport and the fans who have supported him throughout his career.
The upcoming exhibition match against Djokovic represents a glimmer of hope for del Potro and his fans. While it remains uncertain whether he will ever fully recover from his injuries or compete professionally again, this appearance is a testament to his enduring love for tennis.
For del Potro, stepping onto the court—even in a non-competitive setting—offers a chance to experience the joy of the game once more, something that has been missing from his life since his retirement.
Juan Martin del Potro’s journey is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices that professional athletes make in pursuit of greatness. His story is one of triumph and heartbreak, of reaching the pinnacle of the sport only to be brought down by forces beyond his control.
Yet, despite the pain and the setbacks, del Potro’s spirit remains unbroken. He continues to search for ways to manage his pain, and his willingness to step back onto the court in December shows that his passion for tennis is as strong as ever.
Fans around the world will undoubtedly be cheering for del Potro as he faces Djokovic in the exhibition match, not only to witness his powerful forehand once more but also to celebrate his resilience and determination.
While his career may have been cut short, del Potro’s impact on the sport and his enduring connection with his fans ensure that his legacy will not be forgotten.
