By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Tuesday February 8, 2022
As the tennis world is mired in sadness due to what appears to be the end of Juan Martin del Potro’s remarkable career, American Frances Tiafoe took to social media to pay tribute to the Tower of Tandil – and what a beautiful tribute it was.
“Man this is crazy,” Tiafoe wrote. “I really hope this ain’t your last match. But if it is I want to say thank you. You were my favorite player growing up. I remember watching you at the Citi Open as a kid. You were the first pro to ever sign a ball for me.”
The American, who met Del Potro three times on tour, and won one of the three, said he became a huge fan of the Argentine.
“After that I was a mega fan. I remember saying to my coach this guy’s going to win the US Open one day and you did it. I cried in 09 when you did. I sound like a completely fanboy right now because I am 😂😂😂.
“What you went through in your career and still achieve what you did is remarkable. Your a hall of famer in my eyes. Living legend. I got nothing but love and respect for you man. Walk with your head up forever man you left a big mark on this game.”
Del Potro and Tiafoe shared some great moments on court as well, including this moment of sportsmanship in Acapulco in 2017, in a match that was won by Del Potro in a third-set tiebreak.