Del Potro: 'This Is The Toughest Match Of My Career'
Juan Martin del Potro has encountered many physical challenges throughout his career. In an interview with ESPN on Tuesday at the US Open, the Argentine made clear that he is still fighting.
“I love the challenge. It could be a tennis challenge or a different challenge in life. This is the toughest match of my career, because I cannot deal with these kind of injuries, this pain that I have now. But I’m still trying and trying,” Del Potro said. “This is the life. I believe in myself that this is going to be in the past for sure. But I think it’s also a message to the young kids, to all the players, to all the people around the world that they never have to give up following a dream and that’s what I’m doing with myself.”
Del Potro shared a hit on the practice courts with former World No. 1 John McEnroe. Although the 32-year-old is not up to full speed yet, he is thrilled to be progressing towards a return.
“I’m so happy to be back… this place is amazing to me. I had a great opportunity to play with John. One of the reasons that I came here was him,” Del Potro said. “I’m so happy to be back in my place, in my tournament. I’m excited to feel better and be back as a protagonist next year and be on court.”
The 2009 US Open champion said “the knee is much better”. Del Potro is still recovering, but spending time on court, and he is eager to start his comeback next season. Returning to Flushing Meadows, where Del Potro also made the final in 2018, has made the ‘Tower of Tandil’ even hungrier.
“The practice with you was the better part of the day,” Del Potro told McEnroe. “When I was watching the [Daniil] Medvedev match, it was a little bit frustrating to me watching these guys play and me [being] on the outside and not being the guy who is playing, fighting for the trophy.
“This is what happened to me at the moment, but I’m positive. I’m fighting to keep moving and hopefully next year I can be a protagonist again and play tennis.”
Del Potro has not competed since Queen’s Club in June 2019. During that time, he believes there has been a shift in how the game is played.
“I’m seeing the older players are playing an aggressive game, just serves and forehands and very short points. From my point of view, a guy who makes a smart game, a smart play, he has a chance to win a tournament,” Del Potro said. “That’s the reason Novak is still playing. I think he has the experience, he has the game and he’s very smart on court. But the other guys are very strong, and that gives a little message to me, because if I am healthy, I will be in that position again.”
It was fitting to have Del Potro back at a tournament in New York given his unforgettable accomplishments at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. No matter what happens in the future, nobody will ever be able to take those away from the Argentine fan favorite.
“This tournament makes me feel unbelievable on court, off court too. That’s why I decided to come,” Del Potro said. “I need the love from the crowd, from the people.”