“Today I can only walk, I can’t even run on the treadmill, I cannot to climb stairs with no pain, I can’t even drive for long unless I stretch my legs because of the pain,” said Juan Martin Del Potro back in 2022 due to constant struggle with injuries. The ATP star had to experience several setbacks because of a massive toll of injuries. This resulted in extensive breaks from competitions and therefore he decided to mark a full stop on his professional career. Even after finding solace at home, it seems like comfort is still not close enough to him.

Juan Martín del Potro recently shared a saddening video on Instagram that shocked his fans worldwide. In a short clip, the former tennis star opened up about the severe pain that turned his life upside down since his last match. Del Potro revealed that his physical condition has deteriorated to the point where even basic daily activities are a struggle.

“I haven’t run since I was 31,” he said, describing the extent of his limitations. “I can’t climb a ladder, I can’t kick a ball, I never played tennis properly again.” Del Potro revealed the long-term toll of his injuries which also acts as a question for his future. “Do I live 15 more years of my life like this so that, at 50, they put the prosthesis on me and live more or less well at 60?”

The Argentine legend also shared the challenges he faces daily. “I get up and take between 6 and 8 pills, between an anti-inflammatory, a painkiller, and another for anxiety. Hopefully one day it will end, because I want to live without pain,” he confessed, expressing a hope for relief in the future.

Standing 6 feet 6 inches tall, Del Potro was once a nightmare for his opponents. His career attained a peak when he won the 2009 US Open by defeating Roger Federer in an epic five-set battle. The victory ended Federer’s six-year unbeaten streak at Flushing Meadows and cemented Del Potro as a major force in tennis. However, injuries soon began to take a toll.

Del Potro faced his first wrist injury just a year after his US Open triumph. This marked the beginning of years of struggle with his health. Multiple surgeries and long recovery periods prevented him from living up to his potential. However, despite his physical struggles, Del Potro managed to achieve milestones which include 21 career titles and a Davis Cup victory for Argentina.

Juan Martin Del Potro and Djokovic set for “The Final Challenge” in Buenos Aires

Tennis fans in Argentina have an exciting December to look forward to. Although the season is almost over, Juan Martín del Potro, the nation’s tennis icon, has announced his participation in an exhibition match at Parque Roca on December 1. This match, titled “The Final Challenge,” is all set to mark a special moment for Del Potro as he steps back onto the court for his farewell. The event is expected to be even more exciting as none other than the 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic is set to take the court against him.

Del Potro expressed his wish to play his last match in front of his home crowd in a video shared on social media. “I have a dream. I want to play my last match in Argentina, and I want you to be there,” he told Djokovic. Djokovic didn’t back down from accepting the challenge as he responded in fluent Spanish. “Are you kidding me? Obviously I’ll be there… For you, in Argentina? Yes, of course I’ll be there,” he said.

Del Potro’s last appearance was at an ATP match in February 2022 during the Buenos Aires Open. The event unofficially marked the end of a career which was filled with highs and lows. Although his achievements included the 2009 US Open title and 22 ATP trophies, injuries often interrupted his campaigns. Del Potro also made a short return to Arthur Ashe Stadium for a charity doubles match with Gabriela Sabatini. Now, his long-awaited farewell match with Djokovic is set to be another highlight for tennis fans across the globe. What do you think about Del Potro’s incredible journey?