

It was an intense Tuesday night for tennis fans in Argentina and around the world as Juan Martin del Potro possibly played his final tour-level match against compatriot Federico Delbonis in Buenos Aires. Irrespective of whether it was the Argentinian’s final or not, fans thronged to see their favorite champion on-court after so long.
The Tower of Tandil lost the match to Delbonis in straight sets and got emotional as the match was nearing its end. Even though the Argentinian said that it was his last match in the on-court interview, he later revealed that he will keep the decision open after the love and admiration he received during the match.
“Today is a full stop. Now I have to take care of my knee for my life, for day-to-day life. But I am going to leave the window open in tennis because what I experienced tonight is unforgettable. If today was my last game, I’m leaving happy”, del Potro said in the press.
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"Lo de hoy es un punto y aparte. Ahora tengo que ocuparme de la rodilla para mi vida, para el el día a día. Pero voy a dejar la ventana abierta en el tenis porque lo que viví esta noche es inolvidable. Si hoy fue mi último partido, me voy feliz” – Juan Martín Del Potro. Leyenda. pic.twitter.com/dkAzr6L0eJ
— Argentina Open (@ArgentinaOpen) February 9, 2022
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In what can be considered a final tribute from del Potro to the sport he always loved, the Argentinian put his hand band on the net once the match got over and kissed it. Even though he was unsure whether it was his final match or not, del Potro went ahead with the gesture fully aware that he might not come back on-court again.

via Getty
Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina returns the ball during his men’s singles fourth round match against Borna Coric of Croatia on Day Seven of the 2018 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
A career filled with ups and downs, Juan Martin del Potro put his best foot forward always and will always be remembered for his forehand and his ability to bounce back strongly from physical adversities.
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