WTA Legend Martina Navratilova Offers Heartfelt Support Over Juan Martin Del Potro’s Concerning Health Update

Injuries have gotten the better of many sporting superstars. Take the example of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. The two of the greatest players in tennis had to end their careers early after suffering injury setbacks towards the end of their careers. The case of Juan Martin del Potro is no different. One of the greatest players of his country, Del Potro suffered knee injuries and was forced to retire early. Years after calling it quits, the 6’6″ tall Argentine made a saddening confession about his health, which invited a reaction from legendary player, Martina Navratilova.

Despite leaving the sport, Del Potro continues to suffer from the pain of his knee injuries and he recently opened up about his concerning health. “I haven’t run since I was 31, I can’t climb a ladder, I can’t kick a ball, I never played tennis properly again. Do I live 15 more years of my life like this so that, at 50, they put the prosthesis on me, and live more or less well at 60? I get up and take between 6 and 8 pills, between an anti-inflammatory, a painkiller, and another for anxiety. Hopefully, one day it will end, because I want to live without pain,” the Argentinean said in an Instagram video.

Navratilova, who has closely followed the rise of Del Potro, seemed very upset to know that the Argentinean was going through such pain. She took to X to wish him a speedy recovery and wrote, “So sad, I hope he finds a solution to a pain-free life…. He deserves a lot better than this… good luck Juan Martín!!! Xoxox.”

It all started for Del Potro after he underwent his first knee surgery following a fall at Queen’s in 2019. After his doctor advised him that he could play in three months, he made a comeback in Stockholm, Basel, and Paris. However, it only aggravated his injury and he eventually retired in 2022. Despite these struggles, the 36-year-old is set to play one last time in an exhibition match. The 36-year-old will face Novak Djokovic in the match titled ‘The Last Challenge.’

Juan Martin del Potro on his tie against Novak Djokovic: ‘It’s a match to say goodbye’

While the Big Three dominated men’s tennis during the two decades of the 21st century, it was Juan Martin del Potro who proved to be a great challenge to them. Eventually, he went on to win the US Open title in 2009. Moreover, he had a great rivalry with Novak Djokovic, and the two are set to renew it when they face each other in del Potro’s farewell match.

Talking about it, the Argentine star said, “I want to arrive at that match in the best shape possible. It’s a match to say goodbye. Djokovic was very generous in accepting my invitation. I want to give him all the love possible. If at least for one, two, or three hours I can be in peace and happy on a tennis court, it will be beautiful.”

The tie will take place on December 1 in del Potro’s hometown, Buenos Aires. It’ll be interesting to see if the Argentine legend can have one last laugh before he leaves the sport. Who do you think is winning this exhibition match? Let us know in the comments below.