A Career Interrupted by Injuries
Juan Martin del Potro, the Argentine tennis star who once soared to the heights of the sport, has opened up about the "never-ending nightmare" his life has become due to a series of knee injuries. The 36-year-old, a former US Open champion, played his last professional game in January 2022. Del Potro, known for his powerful serve and towering presence on the court, has been plagued by injuries throughout his career. Despite his resilience and numerous comeback attempts, his physical condition continues to torment him, making even the simplest daily activities a challenge.
The Torment of Continuous Pain
Del Potro has now candidly documented the ongoing torture he faces due to his injuries in a video on social media. Speaking on Instagram, he shared, "When I had my first surgery in June 2019, the doctor told me I would play in three months. I even signed up for three indoor tournaments at the end of the year. After that first surgery until today, I’ve never been able to go up a set of stairs without pain." The pain extends beyond physical discomfort, affecting his sleep and daily routines. "It hurts many times when I try to sleep, when I turn on my side, or when I wake up because I get these sharp pains. It’s like a never-ending nightmare that I’m trying daily to find solutions and alternatives for, but I can’t find them," he lamented. This emotional and physical struggle has become a constant in his life, making even the simplest tasks feel insurmountable.
The Emotional Toll of Unfulfilled Dreams
The journey from the peak of his career to the current state of affairs has taken a heavy toll on Del Potro’s mental well-being. "It all started with that first surgery… every time I think about it, it stirs up so much bad emotion; it makes me really angry, very frustrated, but I can’t change it," he confessed. His life is far from what he envisioned, and the loss of the ability to engage in the activities he loves has left him feeling deeply disheartened. "My daily life isn’t what I would like it to be. I can’t play [football], I can’t play Padel. It’s terrible. They took me the chance to do what I loved the most, which was to play tennis," he said. The frustration and sadness are palpable as he grapples with the reality of his situation.
The Hope for a Better Future
Despite the overwhelming challenges, Del Potro has not given up hope. "I have good things, bad things, but most of the times I have to fake it and put a good face, but many times I feel terrible," he admitted. The former world No. 3 has even considered the possibility of a prosthetic to alleviate his pain. "There are doctors that tell me that I can put a prosthesis so I can regain some life quality. But others tell me that I’m too young for a prosthesis. They tell me to wait until I’m 50. But since I was 31, I can’t run, I can’t climb stairs, can’t kick a ball, never played tennis again. I need to wait 15 years more of this? It’s terrible," he explained. The conflicting medical advice and the long wait for a potential solution add to his distress, but he remains hopeful that one day, he will be able to live a life free from pain.
A Farewell to the Sport He Loves
In a bittersweet turn of events, Del Potro will play a farewell exhibition match against Novak Djokovic in Buenos Aires on December 1. This final appearance on the court is both a celebration of his remarkable career and a poignant reminder of what he has had to endure. Djokovic, a long-time rival and friend, will join him in this emotional farewell. Del Potro’s best Grand Slam performance aside from his US Open triumph came in his final appearance in New York nine years later. He reached the final at Flushing Meadows but lost to Djokovic in straight sets. This match marked the last time he competed at the highest level, and now, it is time to say goodbye to the sport that defined his life.
Looking Forward with Hope and Resilience
While the road ahead remains uncertain, Del Potro’s resilience and determination shine through. "I hope this will finish someday, because I want to live my life without pain," he stated with a mix of hope and resolve. His journey is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to endure and overcome adversity. As he moves forward, the tennis world and his legion of fans will continue to support him, hoping that he finds the relief and peace he so desperately desires. Despite the setbacks, Del Potro’s legacy as a formidable athlete and a fighter will endure, inspiring future generations to persevere in the face of challenges.
