Juan Martin del Potro eyes Olympics, but says ‘I will continue to lie to myself’ if dream doesn’t materialise
He is battling yet another career-threatening injury, but Juan Martin del Potro insists he is not ready to retire as he has set his sights on the Tokyo Olympics and even if he doesn’t play at the 2021 Games he says “I will continue to lie to myself for the love of tennis as I want to retire inside a court.”
The 2009 US Open champion hasn’t played competitive tennis since the 2019 Fever Tree Championships as he fractured his right-knee cap for a second time in the space of a few months. The unfortunate Argentine has since undergone three operations on his knee with the last surgery taking place in August this year.
Another setback for unfortunate Juan Martin del Potro as he undergoes a third knee operation
It is an all too familiar story for Del Potro as he also underwent two career-saving operations on his left wrist and one on his right wrist.
Despite the constant setbacks, the 32-year-old is not ready to pack it all in as he wants to compete at next year’s Olympics in Tokyo.
“I’m going to be honest, the truth is that it takes a lot out of me to make a comeback. It is becoming very difficult for me but I’m not ready to give up,” Del Potro, who won silver in the singles at the 2016 Rio Games, told ESPN Deportes.
“Due to the pandemic, the Olympic Games are only next year and I am excited to go there [and play]. If I have to [choose a place] to end my career, I think it would be for me to represent my country.”
He added: “I had put a limit when I underwent a third wrist operation and luckily I did not go through with it, but then it was with the second and third operation knee.
“Now I have set the Olympic Games as my goal and if it doesn’t happen I will continue to lie to myself for the love of tennis as I want to retire inside a court.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Tennis News
Tennis great Martina Navratilova sympathises with frustrated Andy Murray – ‘It’s exhausting’
“It’s exhausting to have to deal with the press like that for Andy,” says Martina Navratilova.
-
Tennis News
Aryna Sabalenka’s boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov dies as club confirms tragic news
Our thoughts go out to Aryna Sabalenka.
-
WTA Tour
Emma Raducanu suffers huge injury setback on the eve of Miami Open
Raducanu forced to make a tough decision ahead of WTA 1000 tournament in Miami.
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz hailed for ‘chasing Rafael Nadal’ by pundits as injury concern highlighted
“It adds to the quality of Alcaraz that he can play at this level at the age of 20.”
-
Tennis News
Miami Open draw: Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner learn their fate as Andy Murray gets enticing opener
Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Daniil Medvedev and co. have learned their draws for 2024 Miami Open.
-
Tennis News
Tim Henman gives his verdict on Novak Djokovic’s ‘revealing’ Miami Open withdrawal
“It probably does lead a little bit more to speculation when you’re talking about your professional and personal life.”
-
Tennis News
Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer compared to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi by legendary coach
“Rafa can do the same thing that Federer does, while Cristiano cannot do what Messi does.”
-
Tennis News
Martina Navratilova makes Novak Djokovic ‘doubt’ claim as she highlights age factor
“What happens when you get older is the bad days are worse. You have to have it (doubt) no matter what.”
-
WTA Tour
WTA Rankings: Dominant Iga Swiatek practically assured of big feat ahead of Roland Garros
This way for your post-Indian Wells WTA Rankings.
-
Tennis News
Andy Murray makes retirement uncertainty confession as he also opens up about one of his toughest losses
“I would want to be there by right,” says Andy Murray.