In February 2022, Juan Martin del Potro played his final match on the tennis court in Buenos Aires. After a nearly three-year absence, the Argentine returned to the arena one last time, facing the home fans before bringing his tennis journey to an end due to a series of setbacks.

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In 2009, he won the US Open and reached the top 5 in the 2018 season for the first time since 2013. Juan Martin also claimed his first Masters 1000 trophy in Indian Wells and made it to the US Open final, giving it his all but losing to his good friend Novak Djokovic.

Shanghai 2018: A Turning Point

A couple of weeks later, in Shanghai, Juan Martin faced a fractured right kneecap against Borna Coric. This led to a long absence from the court until February 2019, and he lost his rhythm. At Queen's, he had another unfortunate encounter as he beat Denis Shapovalov but injured his knee again. This injury marked the end of his career and set off a string of surgeries and setbacks that prevented him from leading a normal life. A few days later, he underwent surgery in Barcelona, hoping for a recovery and to extend his career.

2019 - 2021: A Series of Surgeries

However, things didn't go as planned. He needed two more surgeries in January and August 2020. In March 2021, he underwent a fourth knee surgery in Chicago, hoping to recover in time for the Olympic Games in Tokyo. Despite his efforts, there was no improvement, and he entered the 2022 Buenos Aires Open to end his career. He lost to his compatriot Federico Delbonis, crying before the final game and saying goodbye to his beloved sport.

Del Potro's Untold Struggles

Since his last professional match, Juan Martin has experienced many difficult moments. He opened up about his struggles, explaining how he has to deal with a body that refuses to heal despite years of surgeries and treatments. His last match was particularly significant as it showed his determination to play through the excruciating pain that had become a constant companion. He boarded a plane to Switzerland and underwent his fifth knee surgery, still dreaming of playing competitive tennis again. This latest surgery marked the beginning of another chapter in his struggle.He spent two and a half months in rehabilitation in a small town near Basel. However, doctors suggested a sixth surgery, and he traveled to the USA for recovery. The former world no. 3 endured countless treatments, over 100 injections, nerve burns, and tendon blocks.The predictions after the first surgery in 2019 were optimistic, but Juan Martin still experiences unbearable pain when climbing stairs, turning in bed, standing up, or walking. He can't compete with his friends on a football or paddle court, sitting on the sidelines and watching or filming. Despite his unwavering determination, the endless cycle of surgeries and disappointments has tested his mental strength.

A Dilemma at the Crossroads

What no tennis fan knew was that Juan Martin was at a crossroads of difficult decisions and uncertainty. Doctors have suggested a knee prosthesis to improve his quality of life, but they have different opinions on when he should have it. One doctor suggests immediate intervention, while the other recommends waiting until he turns 50. This poses a massive dilemma for the Argentine born in 1988. He doesn't want to live with this pain for another 15 years and is seeking relief. His daily routine includes taking up to eight pills to control pain, inflammation, and anxiety. He is eager to find a long-term solution to his problem and give up on playing tennis to seek a pain-free life.Del Potro shared his story to reach out to those facing similar or different challenges. His emotional message reveals the human side of a warrior who has faced adversity with courage and resilience. Juan Martin del Potro's story is a testament to the complexities of life after sports. It reminds us that even the strongest among us have limits and that pursuing physical and emotional healing requires more than just determination. For del Potro, the fight continues on a daily basis.