Juan Martin del Potro, once ranked No.3 in the ATP World Rankings, built an impressive career during the era dominated by the so-called “Big Four” of tennis: Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Andy Murray. Despite the odds, the Argentine broke through to win a Grand Slam, a Davis Cup, two Olympic medals, and achieved multiple victories over each of the sport’s legends.
In fact, Del Potro defeated the “Big Four” 20 times in total, with at least three wins against each of them. Yet, when reflecting on his career, Del Potro doesn’t name any of them as his toughest opponent. Instead, he points to something far more personal—his own body.
During a press conference in 2023, as he made one final attempt to return to professional tennis, Del Potro shared a deeply emotional truth: “My toughest opponent was my body. I was never afraid to face the best”. His heartfelt confession resonated deeply with fans around the world.
“Today, my life is not super happy,” Del Potro admitted. “I watch Roland Garros and I want to play, but I have to listen to my body and accept that it’s guiding me toward another path in life. I was No. 3 in the world, then I fell, tore my knee, and I’m still talking to doctors to figure out how to heal,” he explained, reflecting on the devastating knee injury he suffered during the 2018 Shanghai semifinals against Borna Coric.
Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina leaves after he retired due to a leg injury in the match against Borna Coric of Croatia during the 2018 Shanghai Masters. (Kevin Lee/Getty Images)
The injuries that defined Del Potro’s career
Del Potro’s career was riddled with injuries—16 in total. Two stand out as defining moments: his right wrist injury in 2009 and the knee injury in 2018 that ultimately forced his retirement.
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The Argentinian faced four left wrist injuries and two to his right, along with back issues, abdominal strains, and thigh injuries. His left wrist injuries alone were enough to sideline him during key parts of his career, but the knee injury was the most catastrophic.
Even so, Del Potro never stopped fighting. In 2016, he made a triumphant return, capturing the silver medal at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, where he famously defeated Rafael Nadal. But by 2018, his knee issues became insurmountable. Multiple treatments failed to alleviate the pain, ultimately forcing his decision to step away from the sport.
An emotional farewell in 2022
In February 2022, Del Potro bid an emotional farewell to professional tennis at the Buenos Aires tournament, calling it his “last dance”. After years of battling injuries, particularly his right knee, the Argentine stepped onto the court for one final time.
Juan Martin del Potro cries after loosing his last match as a professional tennis player against Federico Delbonis. (Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)
In a heartfelt moment, Del Potro was met with thunderous applause from fans as he fell in the first round to compatriot Federico Delbonis. Despite his best efforts to stage a comeback after multiple surgeries, the persistent pain in his knee made a return to the professional circuit impossible.
