The tennis world is bidding heartfelt farewells to its legends, and the emotions are running high. The 2024 season has seen some of the game’s brightest stars take their final bows—Andy Murray in August, Rafael Nadal in November, and now, the gentle giant, Juan Martín del Potro. After nearly two decades of grit, glory, and perseverance, Del Potro has decided to step away from the sport, leaving fans and fellow players emotional. Tributes have poured in from all corners of the globe, and the latest to pay an emotional homage is Argentine tennis icon Gabriela Sabatini.

Del Potro faced Novak Djokovic in an exhibition match on December 1st, Sunday, where they both showcased their skills. Although he officially retired in 2022 due to persistent wrist and knee injuries, Del Potro wanted one last encounter before finally signing off from the courts and what followed was indeed heartwarming. In a touching moment during the final set, as Del Potro returned a serve, Djokovic let him take the point, allowing Del Potro to win the match and end his career with a victory. And now, when the Argentine star is looking forward to evolving from the sport, his compatriot Gabriela Sabatini has expressed her admiration for her legendary career.

Taking to X, the 54-year-old former WTA Star expressed how emotional it was for her to witness Del Potro play one last time. “Dear friend, it was a night full of emotions, Thank you for inviting me to be part of this beautiful and magical farewell alongside people I admire and love so much in front of the best audience 🇦🇷 . I wish you to be immensely happy in this new stage, I love you very much ❤️,” she wrote in Spanish. And indeed, Del Potro’s career has made the tributes well deserved. 

The Argentine star depicted immense talent ever since he turned professional in 2005. The 6 feet 6 inches tall player’s career attained a peak when he won the 2009 US Open by defeating Roger Federer in an epic five-set battle. The triumph did not just establish himself as one of the formidable faces on the courts but also marked an end to Federer’s six-year unbeaten streak at Flushing Meadows. While his injuries started soon after the victory, he continued to depict resilience. 

For the unversed, Juan Martin del Potro faced a wrist injury just a year after winning the US Open. However, these problems did not shatter his dedication as he went on to clinch the Olympic bronze in 2012 and silver in 2016 games. And this is probably why Roger Federer called him “a special player and a special person.”

In a tribute message for Del Potro, the Swiss Maestro said, “I know it is a special moment for you. You’re a special player and a special person for the tennis world. I hope this moment is one that you’re celebrating. You shouldn’t be sad. I believe the best is yet to come for you.” As Del Potro now moves on to the next phase of his life, all he wishes is to remain healthy and become injury-free yet again. 

When Juan Martin Del Potro shared true emotions about his health

The major factor behind Juan Martin del Potro’s retirement is the injury woes he has faced over the years. He underwent multiple surgeries and as a result, the long recovery periods prevented him from living up to his potential. But now, Del Potro is wishing to return to his physically fit form and live his life without any pain. 

Juan Martín del Potro recently shared a saddening video on Instagram highlighting his challenges. “I haven’t run since I was 31,” he said, describing the extent of his limitations. “I can’t climb a ladder, I can’t kick a ball, I never played tennis properly again.” He also revealed that the challenges can impact him more in the long run. “Do I live 15 more years of my life like this so that, at 50, they put the prosthesis on me and live more or less well at 60?” But what he desires is a pain-free life going forward. 

“I get up and take between 6 and 8 pills, between an anti-inflammatory, a painkiller, and another for anxiety. Hopefully one day it will end, because I want to live without pain,” he confessed, expressing hope for relief in the future. While Del Potro has bid adieu to tennis, his legacy will continue to resonate with his fans and serve an inspiration for the budding players. As he retires, Del Potro leaves behind a legacy that Argentina—and the world—will forever cherish.