Juan Martin Del Potro opens up about 'nightmare' injury in heartwarming video | ATP Tour

Del Potro opens up about injury 'nightmare' in heartwarming video

Argentina tells his personal story in new detail

November 26, 2024

In a profound statement he shared on Monday on social media, Juan Martin del Potro explained in detail how he has dealt with the difficulties of his injury over the past few years. The 2009 US Open champion spoke candidly about the hardships of his daily life, the limitations imposed by a battle-weary body and a wish as simple as it is important: to be able to look forward to a future with some quality. of life.

The 36-year-old's comments come nearly three years after his last professional game. On February 9, 2022, at the Argentina Open, Del Potro committed himself to the Buenos Aires ATP 250, where he said goodbye to his people. He was unable to advance to the first round, winning only four games against his teammate Federico Delbonis. It wasn't that much trouble for someone who was waiting for the torture to end.

“When I played the last game with Delbonis… people didn't know me and I never said anything. The next day I flew to Switzerland and had another knee operation. It was the fifth. Since then, I have not made my work public again,” he said in Spanish. “In the press conference before the match with Federico, when I said that maybe it will be my last match, that's when I found peace. It ended something that was always there, that 'Delpo, when will you play again?', 'Will I see you again in the competition?'

“I could no longer bear the pain in my leg. I told myself I should do this under the radar, in secret… If it works, I'll announce my return.

“I went to Switzerland, I stayed there for two months in a house in a village near Basel. They operated on me, I did rehab and it didn't go well. After two and a half months they said, 'There is one thing left, we will operate again.' Sixth time! After that, I went to the USA, I continued rehab and I tried treatment during the operation … I must have had more than 100 injections in my leg, in my hip, in my back … They injected me, they took. things took me out, analyzed me, burned my nerves, closed my muscles… The suffering I have every day. And it has been like that since that last day with Federico, not to mention the last two years since the day of my injury. That game was, 'Ciao, tennis.' I have no hope of playing again because my body does not agree.”

It has been a constant battle for the player destined to define an era on the ATP Tour, with physical grace preventing him from finding any consistency. The former No. 3 in the PIF ATP Rankings, plagued by wrist and knee injuries throughout his career, was unable to lift the burden that any athlete fears most. It would consume him as he searched for a solution that he would never find.

“When I had my first operation, the doctor said to me, 'In three months you will be able to play again.' That was in June 2019. I had registered for tournaments in Stockholm, Basel and Paris because the doctor told me to register because I would be ready to play early. I haven't been able to walk up the stairs without pain since the first surgery. The daily journey I take to Tandil, which is four hours, I have to stop halfway and stretch my legs. It often hurts when I sleep. When I turn on my side I wake up because I get terrible shooting pains. It's like an endless nightmare. Every day I continue to look for solutions, doctors, alternatives. I still haven't received anything. It all started with that first surgery. Every time I think about it, it brings up a lot of really bad feelings. It makes me feel angry, depressed, powerless… But I can't change it.”

In that state of ongoing grief, Del Potro has chosen to speak and share his story, seeking help from people who can see his situation, perhaps a light at the end of the tunnel that may give him hope.

“I think I should tell you everything about how I am because it helps me. I have been communicating with fans and maybe this message will inspire or help other people. Like I said, my daily life is not what I want. I was an active boy, who really liked to play sports, not just tennis. Suddenly he invited me to play football and I brought the mat [an Argentine infusion] and sits aside. Or they play padel and I'm a video. To me this is bad. Also on the sports side, my love for what I always loved, which was playing tennis, has been taken away from me.

“Problems that can arise on the road, such as injuries, which are very difficult for an athlete, are one thing, but emotional pain is another thing entirely. I felt very strong and powerful about facing the obstacles that came my way and that I would always overcome them, logically. I was strong, but I finally realize that I'm not sure how strong I am. I feel like the knee problem has defeated me.”

However, the desire to compete inside him drove him to say goodbye to the tennis he always wanted: on the court, with a good spirit and a legendary opponent on the other side of the net. As his day-to-day limitations will allow, Del Potro is preparing to say goodbye in accordance with his title. On Sunday, surrounded by his people in Buenos Aires, he will face the most decorated player of all, Novak Djokovic, in his farewell match.

“I want to be as good as possible at it, as fit as possible,” said Del Potro. “But it's an event, it's a farewell program. There is no turning back now.

“I think Djokovic is the one at the end, he was generous in accepting the invitation. For me, besides being a personal moment for me, I would like to give him a lot of love and from people. I would like him to remember Argentina and his Argentinian fans well. If, at least one, two or three short hours, I can have peace on my leg and enjoy something on the tennis court the last time would be amazing. And I can give you everything, and Novak, a good moment, with love and affection, and you all have good memories of that night. “

This story was translated from ATPtour.com/es.