Former US Open champion Juan Martín del Potro has opened up about the physical and emotional toll injuries have taken on his tennis career and his daily life.
The 36-year-old Argentine, who last competed professionally in February 2022, revealed in an Instagram video that he continues to experience chronic pain as a result of his injuries.
Del Potro’s career was marred by a series of setbacks, with the most significant being a knee fracture suffered at Queen’s in 2019. Following his injury, he was unable to play for three years before ultimately hinting at retirement after a first-round loss at the Argentina Open. In his video, Del Potro expressed his frustration at being unable to participate in activities he once enjoyed, such as playing football and padel (a variant of tennis). He described the situation as “terrible” and lamented the fact that his passion for tennis had been taken away from him.
The tennis star also revealed the daily struggles he faces as a result of his injuries. He explained that he has to take multiple pills each day, including gastric protectors, anti-inflammatories, and medication for anxiety. The side effects of these medications have led to weight gain and dietary restrictions. Del Potro spoke candidly about the physical pain he experiences on a daily basis, from climbing stairs to driving and even when trying to sleep. He described his situation as a “never-ending nightmare.”
Despite the challenges he faces, Del Potro remains optimistic. He shared his excitement about an upcoming farewell exhibition match against Novak Djokovic in Buenos Aires. Del Potro expressed his gratitude to Djokovic for accepting his invitation and emphasized his desire to be in the best possible shape for the match. He sees it as an opportunity to find peace and happiness on the tennis court, even if only for a few hours.
Del Potro’s career trajectory once indicated that he would be a formidable rival to the likes of Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Andy Murray in grand slam finals. In 2009, at the age of 20, he won the US Open, defeating Nadal and Federer along the way. However, injuries took a toll on his 6ft 6in frame, and he only reached one more grand slam final, finishing as the runner-up to Djokovic at the 2018 US Open. Despite these setbacks, Del Potro’s achievements include winning 22 singles titles and earning a silver medal at the 2016 Olympics.
In conclusion, Juan Martín del Potro’s post-career life has been marked by the physical and emotional pain caused by his tennis-related injuries. While he continues to face daily challenges, he remains hopeful and is eagerly anticipating his farewell match against Novak Djokovic. Del Potro’s story serves as a reminder of the sacrifices and hardships that professional athletes often endure in pursuit of their dreams.
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Tennis star Juan Martín del Potro reveals the ongoing pain and limitations he experiences in his post-career life due to tennis-related injuries. Despite the challenges, he remains optimistic and is preparing for a farewell match against Novak Djokovic.
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