Juan Martin del Potro news: Retirement announcement may be imminent

ATP Tour
Juan Martin del Potro press conference

Former US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro appears to be close to confirming his retirement from tennis after he gave a tearful press conference ahead of his long-waited comeback from injury.

Del Porto has not played since 2019 and has undergone two knee operations in a bid to return, but it seems the end is nigh for the popular Argentine.

The 33-year-old has accepted wild cards into the Argentina Open and Rio Open in the next couple of weeks and they may be his last appearances on the ATP Tour.

“I always overcame everything. I don’t want to close the door. I’m very excited because I love tennis,” del Potro said Saturday. “Today I have to be honest so as not to give the wrong message, although in two and a half years I gave messages that were not in line with my reality.

“If I’m honest I have to say that I’m not here for a miraculous comeback like on other occasions. I know the limitations I have physically, and we’ll see later.

“With this injury, I always said I wouldn’t give up. The farewell had to be on a court and not in a conference.

“Unfortunately I had to deal with many injuries, but I achieved most of the things I wanted to achieve. Maybe I won’t have a miraculous return to tennis like I always had. It’s very difficult for me to play, especially on a day-to-day basis, beyond sport.

“Today, if I’m honest, I have to give this message. I can’t say I’m going for a miracle because it’s not true. I know the ability I have with tennis, but I also know the limitations with my physique. We’ll see later.”

Del Potro will face countryman Federico Delbonis in the first round in Buenos Aires and he can’t wait to get back on court.

“I’m going to play and I can’t wait to get on the court on Tuesday,” he added. “I couldn’t ask for another rival other than Fede, together we share the happiest days.

“Beyond the anguish and sadness, I want Tuesday to be an unforgettable day. Having the tournament in Buenos Aires made me feel like it was now or never again.”

Juan Martin del Potro

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