Juan Martin del Potro has hinted at a US Open comeback, sending tennis fans into a frenzy. Images: Getty Images
Juan Martin del Potro has hinted he will “start training” to return to the court for the US Open later this year, prompting a frenzy among players tennis fans. The popular winner of the Flushing Meadows Grand Slam in 2009 retired in front of his home fans in Argentina last yearamid ongoing knee problems.
De Potro’s emotional farewell at the Argentina Open in Buenos Aires last year was one of the most memorable moments of the 2022 season, with the 34-year-old still standing as one of the sport’s most beloved figures. His retirement was partly due to persistent pain in his knee, which prevented him from even training, let alone competing at the required level.
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However, in a recent interview with South American media, he hinted that he is eyeing a possible return to the US Open later this year. Despite being forced into retirement, De Potro’s desire to compete has not been blunted and an invite from the US Open is on the table if he wants to make a comeback.
“I love tennis, it will never be a problem to pick up a racquet and see how I feel,” Del Potro said per We love tennis. “The physical problem and my knee are things I work on every day.
“I’m going to keep that window open, at least until the US Open, like I said. This is the special tournament for me. I still have time. I’ll start training, see how my leg and knee react, and if I can or I can’t.”
Del Potro admitted in the months following his February retirement that he had found it difficult to truly say goodbye to the game. The former world No. 3 had undergone four knee surgeries when he slipped to No. 757 in the world rankings before retiring.
In a heartbreaking admission, del Potro claimed his injuries made it difficult for him to come to terms with his sudden exit from tennis and his past life. “Psychologically, I cannot accept life without tennis,” he said. “I was world number three, then all of a sudden I broke my knees and here I am, with nothing.”
The story goes on
Repeated operations took their toll on Juan Martin del Potro
He also spoke about how the constant disappointment of failed surgeries had taken a massive mental toll on top of the physical inhibition. As recently as September last year, the 34-year-old could not walk.
“Imagine what it’s like after every attempt at treatment or surgery, the frustration I can feel when things don’t work,” he said. If this fails, the blow is hard.
“And for three and a half years, despite multiple surgeries and treatments, it always happened. Today I can only walk, I don’t run on the treadmill, I can’t climb the stairs without pain. I can’t drive long without stopping to stretch my legs.
“This is my reality, which is hard, which is sad, but I always try to improve my situation and my new challenge is also to live in the best possible way psychologically, despite my problem.”
Juan Martin del Potro retired from tennis in front of his home fans in Argentina in 2022. (Photo by Manuel Cortina/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Del Potro played his last game in his home country, which played out in scenes that were difficult to watch. The crowd rallied behind their heroes as chants of “Del Potro” echoed throughout the arena during the game against compatriot Federico Delboni.
And in heartbreaking scenes, Del Potro broke down in tears ahead of what appeared to be the final service game of his career. Del Potro won the last of his 22 tour titles at the Indian Wells Masters in 2018, won silver and bronze at the Olympics and helped his country win the 2016 Davis Cup.
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Source : au.sports.yahoo.com