Before his last service game he burst into tears, after the match point he hung his famous headband on the edge of the net and gave an interview crying.
Almost 1,000 days break
Argentine Juan Martin del Potro, one of the few tennis professionals to have played the Grand Slam-Had broken the dominance of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, has declared his career over. In the first round of ATP-Tournament in Buenos Aires the 33-year-old celebrated his comeback and farewell. After a break of almost 1,000 days, he returned U.S-Open winner of 2009 back on the pitch after countless injuries.
Del Potro lost 6-1, 6-3 to fellow countryman Federico Delbonis and afterwards said: “I will remember this moment for the rest of my life. I have fulfilled all my dreams in tennis and people’s affection is the most important trophy. Now I have peace of mind because my last game was probably on the court and not in one Press conference.” When asked if he would play next week’s tournament in Rio, he said: “No.”
No match since 2019
Earlier, del Potro indicated at a press conference that he wanted to retire after the two tournaments. “Yes, I was planning to go to Rio. I think I gave everything to the last point. Today I wish that after two years I can sleep without pain in my leg”he said.
The former world number three has not had an ATP since June 2019match more disputed. In preparation for Wimbledon In the same year he fractured his right kneecap for the second time. He had to be operated on again, the recovery was lengthy. Del Potro had previously had bad luck with injuries and had to have several wrist surgeries.
In addition to the US Open title in 2009, his greatest successes also include Olympic bronze in 2012 in London and silver in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro. With the Argentine Davis Cupteam he won the Davis Cup in 2016.
Source: dpa