Sunday, February 6, 2022 – 11:31 WIB
VIVA – Argentina’s Juan Martin Del Potro is considering hanging up his racket immediately, saying repeated injuries meant two tournaments in Argentina and Brazil this month “may” be his last.
“This is one of the most difficult messages I have ever faced and communicated,” Del Potro told reporters in Buenos Aires.
“Everyone knows and wants me to go back to playing tennis. Maybe it won’t be like that and really will be more of a farewell than a return,” continued Del Potro.
The former world number three last played a tournament match in June 2019 at Queens in London. He then injured his knee and has struggled to get back to full fitness ever since.
Juan Martin Del Potro playing tennis against Sergio Aguero
“Knees have been a nightmare. I’ve been trying to think of alternatives and ways to deal with them for years and today I can’t get over them,” he said. “I never imagined retiring from tennis.”
Del Potro is determined to play in the Buenos Aires Open and the Rio de Janeiro Open, both of which take place this month.
