It was an emotional evening in Buenos Aires when fans gathered to witness their champion Juan Martin del Potro live for possibly the last time. del Potro faced compatriot Federico Delbonis in the first round of the Argentina Open.

After his press conference where he revealed that he will most likely retire from tennis post the South American swing, fans wanted to pay tribute to the Tower of Tandil and thronged the stadium in full numbers for this match. They clapped him and rooted for him all along but the Argentinian couldn’t put his best foot forward as he lost in straight sets.

Juan Martin del Potro tears up on-court during final moments of his match against Federico Delbonis

In a way, it was del Potro‘s night to savor as he left the court amidst roars of applause and a standing ovation. This could very well be his last international match but there is no confirmation as of now. The Argentinian was mostly enjoying the match as he was loving the atmosphere and the encouragement from fans.

Just when the match neared its end, del Potro got emotional as he cried into his towel. He was serving to stay in the match at 3-5 in the second. The 2009 US Open champion lost the game eventually and left the court with fans chanting his name as loudly as they possibly could.

Trending

Roger Federer Breaks Partnership With Billion Dollar Worth Italian Brand Days After Coco Gauff’s Stunning Commercial Appearance

April 12, 2024 07:23 PM EDT

Stefanos Tsitsipas’ Girlfriend Paula Badosa Provides Saddening Health Update After Being Forced To Retire Against Aryna Sabalenka

April 19, 2024 03:58 AM EDT

Tennis News: Rafael Nadal Confirms Retirement ; Doping-Banned Mikael Ymer Announces Comeback; Stefanos Tsitsipas Dubbed as Hypocrite

April 15, 2024 06:22 PM EDT

Mad in Love, Stefanos Tsitsipas Delivers the Most Romantic Message for ‘Biggest Blessing’ Paula Badosa

April 16, 2024 01:23 PM EDT

Barcelona Open 2024: Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Dušan Lajović; Preview, Head-to-Head, Prediction

April 20, 2024 07:14 AM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

The crowd came to del Potro’s rescue as the cheers became even louder when he was getting emotional. However, a positive thing to note here is the fact that the Argentinian would be ending his career on a tennis court rather than in a press conference, which is something he mentioned ahead of the event.

Post the match, del Potro confirmed that it will be his final match on the ATP tour to the reporters.

“I hoped this moment would not come. My health leads me to have to make a decision. In these two and a half I have been struggling too much. And maybe I don’t have the strength that everyone thinks I have.”

Later, he went on to reveal that it was his last match on-court.

In a phenomenal career with a lot of ups and downs, Juan Martin del Potro will always be remembered for his sheer dominance once he is in full flow and his desire to play the sport amidst health adversities.