Juan Martin del Potro on His Injury: “I Didn’t Expect This”

One of the most beloved tennis players in the world, Juan Martin del Potro is going through hard times. Critical, we might say.

The 30-year old didn’t play too much this year, because of his troubles with injuries, and the way things are right now, he might even leave tennis for good.

The tall Argentinian, whose sportsmanship, and charisma on the court are very rare nowadays, fractured his kneecap once again, and will have to undergo a surgery tomorrow. But what separates this situation from those before, is the fact that Delpo might not come back on court again. Ever.

He posted a video on his Instagram account in which he explained what is going on at the moment.

“I didn’t expect this at all,” No. 12 in the world stated at one point.

Delpo speaks about the surgery … spanish with english subtitles … (🎥 IG TV teamdelpo) #FUERZADELPO pic.twitter.com/Q8xYQcKvOX

— DELPO❤ARMY (@delpoarmy) June 21, 2019

The right patella which he hurt, is a problem which already bothered Delpo. It happened in the late part of 2018, and it appears that it didn’t heal properly.

Former US Open winner explained in the video that he spoke with the doctors and asked them what is the best thing to do. The answer was more than simple – surgery.

“After medical studies and talking to the doctors they said surgery was the best treatment,” he stated.

When discussing his options, Del Potro was not thinking primarily about his sports career, but instead the overall health condition. One day when he stops playing, his body needs to be functional, and that is what concerned the Argentinian.

“I asked them for the best option, health-wise, not just for tennis. They said surgery, no doubt about it.”

The player expressed sadness because of the fact that he needs to deal with the same problem and the same procedures all over again. The injury was picked up during the match against Denis Shapovalov at Queen’s Club championship when he defeated the Russian but had to pull out from the rest of the tournament.

Three days have passed since, and his emotions were still mixed. Delpo was near tears while shooting his message, and it could be seen that he is going through a really tough situation.

After the surgery, the player will see how his body reacts during the recovery period and is he able to continue playing tennis at a high level. Until then, any projections about his future would be incomplete.

“If that match was the last of one my career, I don’t know. During rehab, I will be able to think clearly. I will know what my body is able to do.”

The career of this extraordinary player was filled with various injuries, whether was that regarding wrists, hip, or ankles. At one point, he was spending more time in hospitals than on the tennis court, and the majority of experts and fans thought that his playing time has come to an end.

But on each occasion, Delpo was coming back stronger and more motivated. His will and stubbornness were amazing. However, things are not looking that bright, as we never saw him this crushed.

Del Potro began appeared as a pro first time 14 years ago, and since then he won 22 titles in single. The biggest ones are from the US Open in 2009 and ATP Masters 1000 in Indian Wells last year.

Besides that, he added two medals from the Olympics. During the last Olympics in Rio, Delpo reached the finals but lost against Andy Murray. Four years earlier in London, he took the bronze.

In 2016, Argentina won their only Davis Cup trophy, with him as the leader of the team.

Because of all this, we hope that Delpo beats all the adversities, and appears on the court one more time. To have a proper farewell, as he deserves.