Juan Martin Del Potro might not have played on the Tour for over a year but the Argentine isn’t giving up on his dreams of playing at the US Open once again.
The former world No.3 hasn’t played a competitive match since his first round loss at the 2022 Argentina Open to Federico Delbonis. At the time it was unclear if Del Potro would ever play again due to his physical fitness after a series of injury problems he experienced. He has undergone eight surgeries since 2010 to prolong his career. One on his right wrist (2010), three on his left wrist (2014-2015) and four on his knee (2019-2021).
Despite the setbacks, the 34-year-old says he isn’t completely done with the sport as he eyes an appearance at Flushing Meadows later this year. It was at the US Open where he won his first and only Grand Slam title back in 2009. At that tournament, he scored back-to-back wins over Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
“My goal is to be ready to play an official match in the tournament. I don’t know if I will be 100% or not but, at least, if my last tennis match ever has to be this year, I want (it to be) … at the U.S. Open,” del Potro said during an interview with The Associated Press. “I will work hard for the last time, maybe, in my career, and then you never know. God will decide if I’m ready or not.”
There are no guarantees that the Argentine will be able to play in the final major of 2023 but his bid to do so has won the support of US Open tournament director Stacey Allaster. Allaster, who previously served as president of the WTA Tour for nine years, is the first woman to oversee the event.
“Juan Martín is a true favorite of U.S. Open fans,” she said. “He is a tremendous, yet gracious, competitor and we would be thrilled for this former U.S. Open champion to join us at this year’s tournament.”
Besides his comeback bid, Del Potro remains involved in sport. One of his latest roles is being named a strategic advisor of the Miami-based Ownership Group which has a franchise in the Pro Padal League. As for coaching tennis, he already provides his services but in an informal way.
“They just want to know how to hit the best forehand ever,” he commented. “They just call me, and I say, ‘OK, do this, do that.’ But for now, I’m not ready to keep traveling and spend time away from home.”
Del Potro has won 22 ATP titles and recorded 10 wins over world No.1 players which is the most by somebody on the ATP Tour who has never topped the rankings. Furthermore, his career prize money earnings are almost $26M.
Del Potro is also one of only a few players to have recorded four or more Tour wins against every member of the Big Three.
