Juan Martin Del Potro suggests retirement from professional tennis after Argentina Open
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ByEurosport
Updated 06/02/2022 at 00:53 GMT
"Perhaps it is more a farewell than a return" The Argentine was in his homeland ahead of the Argentina Open but announced in a press conference that the tournament may well be his last as a pro. The 33-year-old cited a knee injury as the reason for calling time on his 17-year professional tennis career.
Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina waves to fans
Image credit: Getty Images
Former US Open champion Juan Martin Del Potro has announced he is likely to retire from professional tennis.
The popular 33-year-old is currently in his native Argentina and set to compete in the Argentina Open.
However, speaking in a press conference ahead of the tournament, Del Porto revealed it could be his last as a professional.
"Before I start this conference I would like to send a message," he said. "I have spent a lot of time thinking and imagining about this day, and I think this is one of the most difficult messages I will ever deliver.
"I know that people are expecting me to return to tennis, but this may be more of a farewell than a return.
"I have strength to go forward but my knee is becoming a nightmare. I have been trying alternative treatments for a number of years, with different doctors and attempts to fix it.
"But I have still not found a solution. But I never imagined retiring from tennis without having the chance to say goodbye and I can't imagine a better tournament than Buenos Aires to do it.
"After these weeks we will see what happens with my future, but I am clear that I want to live like a person of 33 years and try to not have pain.
"It's a difficult decision, but I wanted to make it clear."
Del Potro won his only Grand Slam in 2009 when he stunned Roger Federer to win the US Open title.
He also reached the gold medal match of the 2016 Olympics in Rio but lost out to Andy Murray.
He faces Federico Delbonis in the first round of the Argentina Open on February 7.
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