Juan Martin Del Potro was greeted with a hero’s welcome by hundreds of fans as he returned to his native homeland of Argentina.
The former US Open champion, who has been blighted with injury troubles in recent years, produced an Olympic performance to remember at last week’s Games in Brazil. Del Potro defeated Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal to reach the final in Rio. He was denied the gold medal after losing a four-hour battle against Andy Murray.
Regardless of del Potro’s runner-up position, the man commonly known as the ‘tower of Tandil’ due to his height has made front page news on multiple newspapers in Argentina. The 27-year-old is a beloved figure both on and off the tour. John Isner recently described the Argentine as ‘one of the most popular players on the tour.’
When Juan Martin #DelPotro comes back in his hometown Tandil 😮 (Vidéo @sebatorok) pic.twitter.com/MpWvBJDQ0r
— We Are Tennis (@WeAreTennis) 17 August 2016
Otra emoción inolvidable. Gracias Tandil!!! 🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/LJEhR3figV
— Juan M. del Potro (@delpotrojuan) 16 August 2016
Del Potro will return to action at the US Open after being granted a wild card into the event. Imagine what the reaction will be in Argentina if he wins the title?
