In a heart-wrenching Instagram video, former US Open champion Juan Martín del Potro revealed the agonizing daily pain he endures after a career cut short by injuries. The 36-year-old Argentine, who last played professionally in February 2022, opened up about the toll his physical struggles have taken on his life since retiring from tennis.
A Life Consumed by Pain
Del Potro, once a formidable force on the court, now finds himself trapped in a cycle of suffering. “My daily life isn’t what I would like it to be,” he confessed in the emotional video. The former world No. 3 described how the simplest activities, like playing football or padel tennis, have become impossible due to the persistent pain.
It’s terrible. They took [from] me the chance to do what I loved the most, which was to play tennis. It’s very tough.
Juan Martín del Potro
The 2009 US Open winner’s candid admission sheds light on the hidden struggles many athletes face after their careers come to an end. For Del Potro, the pain is not just physical but also emotional, as he grapples with the loss of his identity as a tennis player.
The Never-Ending Nightmare
Del Potro’s ordeal began after undergoing knee surgery following an injury at Queen’s in 2019. Despite assurances from doctors that he would return to the court within three months, the Argentine has been plagued by unrelenting pain ever since.
“Since that moment, I was never able to climb stairs without pain. It hurts when I drive, it hurts many times when I go to sleep,” Del Potro revealed. “It’s been a never-ending nightmare.”
The Price of Pain Management
To cope with the daily agony, Del Potro relies on a cocktail of medications. “Every day when I wake up I have to take six or seven pills. Gastric protectors, anti-inflammatories, one for anxiety,” he shared. However, the side effects of these medications have taken their toll, causing weight gain and other health issues.
The once-imposing 6’6″ athlete now finds himself in a constant battle not just with pain but also with the consequences of the very treatments meant to alleviate his suffering.
A Glimmer of Hope
Despite the unrelenting challenges, Del Potro has found a reason to push forward. He is training and focusing on his diet in preparation for a farewell exhibition match against Novak Djokovic in Buenos Aires next month.
I want to arrive at that match in the best shape possible. It’s a match to say goodbye. Djokovic was very generous in accepting my invitation.
Juan Martín del Potro
The Argentine hopes that, even if just for a few hours, he can experience the joy and peace he once felt on the tennis court. It’s a bittersweet moment for a player who, at one point, seemed destined to compete alongside the likes of Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal for years to come.
A Career of What-Ifs
Del Potro’s journey in tennis is a story of unfulfilled potential. His powerful forehand and towering presence made him a force to be reckoned with, as evidenced by his stunning victory over Federer and Nadal en route to his 2009 US Open triumph at just 20 years old.
However, injuries plagued his career, limiting him to just one more Grand Slam final appearance, a runner-up finish to Djokovic at the 2018 US Open. Despite his challenges, Del Potro still managed to capture 22 singles titles, an Olympic silver medal, and reach a career-high ranking of world No. 3.
A Lesson in Resilience
As Del Potro bravely shares his story, he reminds us of the incredible resilience and determination required to compete at the highest level of sport. His journey also highlights the often-overlooked challenges athletes face when forced to retire due to injury, as they navigate a life without the passion that once defined them.
In his vulnerability, Del Potro offers a glimpse into the harsh realities that can follow the glory of an elite athletic career. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who dedicate their lives to their sport and the importance of supporting athletes both during and after their time in the spotlight.
As fans, we can only hope that Del Potro finds the strength to overcome his daily struggles and that his farewell match against Djokovic provides him with a moment of solace and celebration. His legacy, both on and off the court, will forever be remembered as a testament to the indomitable human spirit in the face of adversity.
