By Erik Gudris | @ATNTennis | Wednesday August 16, 2023
Former US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro was hoping to make one last stand at the tournament of his greatest career triumph. Sadly, for him and tennis fans that won’t happen this year.
The 2009 US Open winner and former World No. 3 del Potro took to social media to reveal that he hoped to play a farewell match at this year's final major in New York. However his ongoing knee injury will prevent the 34-year-old Argentinian star from completing his wish.
“As you know, my desire to return to such a special court like the one at the US Open had me very excited,” del Potro wrote in Spanish. “I pursued every possible means in order to get there, but my body is not 100 percent with me to let me feel comfortable and content to share in such a unique moment one more time with you all.”
“The pain I feel won’t let me focus on a return yet,” del Potro added in his post. “I will keep looking for better alternatives in order to regain my quality of life. “I thank you all for your company, your understanding and for all the messages of support you’re sending me,” he added. “Sending you all a big hug. I hope to see you soon.”
Speculation arose that del Potro, a winner of 22 career singles titles, would not make it to this year’s US Open when he was not included in the list of names of those men awarded main draw singles wildcards.
Last year, del Potro competed in his final ATP Tour event in Buenos Aires.
Yet, earlier this year in March, he surprised fans by saying he aimed to return to New York to potentially compete at one more US Open as a final send-off for his career.
Juan Martin del Potro’s greatest career win came against his friend Roger Federer in the 2009 US Open final. They enjoyed spending time together earlier this year in May at the Formula 1 Grand Prix event in Miami.
Despite his disappointment, del Potro’s fitness goal remains to work on his chronic knee injury to improve his overall quality of life and hinted that he may attempt another comeback down the road.
Photo credit: Juan Martin del Potro Instagram