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Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina celebrates match point after his First Round Singles Match against Denis Shapovalov of Canada during day Three of the Fever-Tree Championships at Queens Club in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
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Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina celebrates match point after his First Round Singles Match against Denis Shapovalov of Canada during day Three of the Fever-Tree Championships at Queens Club in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
On November 25, 2020, soccer legend Diego Maradona passed away due to a heart attack. It was a disappointing moment for fellow Argentinian athletes like Juan Martin del Potro and Diego Schwartzman. The entire world was left shocked and taken aback. In a year that has witnessed a lot of disappointment, this news adds to the despair.
Although Maradona was known for his heroics in the game of soccer, he was an avid follower of various sports. Over the years, we’ve seen him attend numerous tennis tournaments. He has even exchanged warm pleasantries with players like Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic.
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Juan Martin del Potro: ‘Maradona’s Energy and Strength Remains Unmatched’
As the news was revealed to the world, tributes poured in from various personalities. Juan Martin del Potro led tributes for the dynamic footballer.
He fondly remembered the time he led Argentina to win the Davis Cup in 2016. Juan said, “Four years ago, in the Davis Cup final, we lived very closely with Maradona. I remember that he called me to be able to come. We had to be calm and with Diego, it was sometimes difficult. He transmitted energy and a strength that could not be received from another person.”
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NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 09: Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina reacts after winning a game during his men’s Singles finals match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia on Day Fourteen of the 2018 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 9, 2018 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Del Potro even went onto Twitter and stated, “I feel that you return to the place that belongs to you, HEAVEN. For me, you will never die. Rest in Peace. #GraciasDiego”
Reflecting on Maradona’s career, he guided Argentina to lift the World Cup back in 1986. The 5ft 5 inch player was one of the fiercest attackers the game has witnessed.
Diego was arguably the most loved individual in his country. In fact, his body was placed at the presidential palace for fans to get one final glimpse of the legend. Fans gathered in large numbers, ignoring the coronavirus guidelines.
The entire tennis community expressed their sympathy towards Diego. He certainly was an individual who many looked up to. The contributions he made towards Argentina remain unmatched.
