Former US Open champion Juan Martín del Potro has opened up about the significant impact injuries have had on his career and the ongoing pain he endures. His last professional tournament was in February 2022 at the Argentina Open, where a first-round loss led him to hint at the end of his career. Prior to that, he had been sidelined for three years after fracturing his knee at Queen’s in 2019.

How Injuries Still Affect His Daily Life

Del Potro reveals that his daily life is far from ideal. He can no longer engage in activities like playing football or padel tennis. It's a difficult situation as these were the things he loved the most. "My daily life isn’t what I would like it to be. I can’t play football, I can’t play padel [tennis]. It’s terrible. They took [from] me the chance to do what I loved the most, which was to play tennis," he said. There are moments when he lacks strength and he isn't invincible. He has to put on a good face despite the bad times. Every day when he wakes up, he has to take six or seven pills including gastric protectors, anti-inflammatories, and one for anxiety. The pills even caused him to gain weight, so he had to restrict his diet.

The Beginning of His Injury Woes

His problems started after knee surgery following the injury at Queen’s. The doctor assured him he would be back on the court in three months and he even signed up for three indoor tournaments at the end of the year. But since then, he has been in constant pain. "The doctor told me I would play in three months. I even signed up for three indoor tournaments at the end of the year. Since that moment, I was never able to climb stairs without pain. I hurts when I drive, it hurts many times when I go to sleep. It’s been a never-ending nightmare."

Looking Forward to a Farewell Match

Despite the challenges, Del Potro still has hope. He is excited about playing Novak Djokovic in a farewell exhibition match in Buenos Aires next month. "I started my diet, I’m losing weight, I’m training. I want to arrive at that match in the best shape possible. It’s a match to say goodbye," he said. Djokovic was very kind in accepting his invitation. He wants to give Djokovic all the love he can. If he can find peace and happiness on the tennis court for one, two, or three hours, it will be a beautiful experience.

His Career Highlights and Setbacks

At one point in his career, Del Potro seemed set to compete with the likes of Djokovic, Federer, Nadal, and Murray in grand slam finals for years. As a 20-year-old, he used his powerful forehand to defeat Nadal and Federer on his way to winning the 2009 US Open. However, injuries took a toll on his 6ft 6in frame and he reached only one more grand slam final, finishing runner-up to Djokovic at the 2018 US Open. He also won a silver medal at the 2016 Olympics, where he faced Murray in the final. Altogether, he won 22 singles titles, including the Indian Wells Masters in 2018 when he reached a career-high world ranking of No 3.