09/02/2022
Thank you Juan.
Tearful Juan Martín del Potro breaks down on court as retirement nears
Juan Martín del Potro broke down in tears on court on Tuesday night as he began an emotional goodbye to competitive tennis in Buenos Aires.
Argentine tennis legend Juan Martín del Potro broke down in tears on court on Tuesday night as he began an emotional goodbye to competitive tennis.
Del Potro, or 'Delpo,' acknowledged that he was near the end of his career in an on-court post-match interview, saying "it's possible that we don't meet again."
The 33-year-old's return to tennis after a two-and-a-half-year injury absence did not go as plan, ending in defeat as he beaten in straight sets by compatriot Federico Delbonis in the Argentina Open.
"Today I gave everything I had, until the last point. I'm happy because my last match was probably on a court and not at a press conference. And in front of all of you. I'm going to remember you always," Del Potro said through tears, addressing the entire stadium.
"Delpo is not leaving," chanted the crowd, who gave him a standing ovation.
In what was expected to be one of Del Potro's final appearances before retiring, the former US Open champion was overcome with emotion as Delbonis wrapped up a 6-1, 6-3 victory in one hour and 23 minutes.
To huge applause from the local crowd in Buenos Aires, Del Potro wiped away tears as he prepared to serve what would turn out to be the final game of the match.