via Reuters
Tennis – Argentina Open – Men’s Singles – Buenos Aires Lawn Tennis club, Buenos Aires, Argentina – February 9, 2022 Argentina’s Juan Martin del Potro reacts after losing his match against Argentina’s Federico Delbonis. Del Potro played his first match on the circuit since June 2019 REUTERS/Matias Baglietto
via Reuters
Tennis – Argentina Open – Men’s Singles – Buenos Aires Lawn Tennis club, Buenos Aires, Argentina – February 9, 2022 Argentina’s Juan Martin del Potro reacts after losing his match against Argentina’s Federico Delbonis. Del Potro played his first match on the circuit since June 2019 REUTERS/Matias Baglietto
It was a full house at the Court Guillermo Vilas, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Juan Martin del Potro took on his fellow countryman Federico Delbonis in the first round of the Argentina Open. However, his comeback didn’t last long as he lost in straight sets inside 85 minutes.
Argentinian fans have been long waiting to see their hero back in action. The 2009 US Open champion had been out of action for more than two and a half years, owing to numerous injuries to his knee and wrists. Moreover, he had multiple surgeries, which took time to heal.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
via Getty
LONDON, ENGLAND: Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina looks on during 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)
The towering Argentine was emotional during his post-match interview. Subsequently, he also hinted about the status of his participation in the next tournament.
Juan Martin del Potro opens up on his participation at the ATP 500 Rio Open
The 33-year-old had received a wildcard entry to participate in the next week’s Rio Open in Brazil. However, he wasn’t looking match-fit during his first-round contest and was struggling throughout the match.
After the match, he said, “Right now I’m not sure if I’m going to Rio. I had the illusion of playing these two tournaments because in Brazil I could experience something like today. Tomorrow I will discuss it with my team. With or without Rio, after it tennis for me will be a secondary issue.”
#DelPotro: "Right now I'm not sure if I'm going to Rio. I had the illusion of playing these two tournaments because in Brazil I could experience something like today. Tomorrow I will discuss it with my team. With or without Rio, after it tennis for me will be a secondary issue". pic.twitter.com/Qgs9u7u3hC
— Lorenzo Ercoli (@Ladal17) February 9, 2022
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
In what was his first match since his appearance at the Queen’s Club in June 2019, the former World Number 3 went down to fellow Argentine Federico Delbonis in straight sets 6-1, 6-3. Juan Martin del Potro looked rusty on his return and didn’t look in the best physical shape either.
via Reuters
Tennis – Argentina Open – Men’s Singles – Buenos Aires Lawn Tennis club, Buenos Aires, Argentina – February 9, 2022 Argentina’s Juan Martin del Potro reacts during his match against Argentina’s Federico Delbonis. Del Potro plays his first game on the circuit since June 2019 REUTERS/Matias Baglietto
With some memorable victories over the years, what are your best moments watching del Potro on the tennis courts? Let us know in the comments below.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
WATCH THIS STORY: The Greatest Comebacks in Tennis
