Legendary former tennis player Mats Wilander praises Juan Martin Del Potro ahead of likely retirement
Mats Wilander paid tribute to Juan Martin del Potro after his exit from the Argentina Open. The Argentinian returned to the court after a 3 year absence, but was beaten 1-6, 3-6 by Federico Delbonis.
Del Potro has withdrawn from the upcoming Rio Open, which may confirm his premature retirement from the sport. The former US Open winner’s career was plagued with injuries, resulting in an unfulfilled potential of his game.
Former Grand Slam champion Mats Wilander believes that a healthy Del Potro was likely to be part of a ‘Big 5’ had he stayed healthy. Talking to EuroSport, he said:
“When you look at his resume, you realise that, of course, he won the US Open in 2009, beating [Rafa] Nadal in the semis, [Roger] Federer in the final, it was unbelievable. But then he also won the Davis Cup for Argentina, the only time they won that, and then he was a silver and a bronze medalist in the Olympics.
“The vibe there in Buenos Aires last night was incredible. I was watching on live TV. “Juan Martin del Potro, he really should have been one out of the Big Five. To me, it’s not the Big Three… it could be the Big Four with Andy Murray and, to me, Del Potro would have qualified as part of the Big Five.“
After his loss, the 33-year old hinted at retirement saying that it could be the last time he stepped on court. However, the withdrawal from the Rio Open in Brazil could confirm his departure from tennis.
How did Del Potro rise to the occasion in his career?
The former World No. 3 won the US Open in 2009, beating Roger Federer in the final. He reached the final that year beating Rafael Nadal. The victory still ranks as one of the biggest underdog stories in tennis history.
7 years later, Del Potro beat Novak Djokovic in the bronze medal match at the 2012 London Olympics and in the first round at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.
Del Potro has won 22 ATP Tour titles, with his last win at the 2018 BNP Paribas Open. The win propelled him to a career-high ranking of world number three.
More Tennis news
- Novak Djokovic’s brother makes Roger Federer promise ahead of Serbian Open
- Naomi Osaka responds to botching Jennifer Brady’s name after AO Open final win
Follow our dedicated Tennis page for instant Tennis news and updates