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ACAPULCO, MEXICO – MARCH 01: Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina celebrates during the match between Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina and Dominic Thiem of Austria as part of the Telcel ATP Mexican Open 2018 on March 01, 2018 in Acapulco, Mexico. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images,)
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ACAPULCO, MEXICO – MARCH 01: Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina celebrates during the match between Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina and Dominic Thiem of Austria as part of the Telcel ATP Mexican Open 2018 on March 01, 2018 in Acapulco, Mexico. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images,)
Juan Martin del Potro has been one of the most brutal forces in the men’s game. His ability to strike the ball is incomparable with anyone. Juan first emerged onto the scene in the mid-2000s. The 6ft 6-inch player always came across as a gentle giant. During the peak of his career, del Potro was the second most famous person from his native country. Being second to Messi is not that bad after all.
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The number of times Juan stayed away from the sport due to injuries was disappointing. Not just the del Potro camp, even fans were left heartbroken. He is adored no matter which part of the world he is playing in. The Argentine has not stepped on a tennis court for over a year.
Del Potro’s former coach, Marcelo Gomez, recently revealed, “I’m 100% sure he will not return if he feels he can’t compete against the rivals from the top. I still see him as a boy who enjoys playing tennis; I hope he can make another push and start all over.”
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LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 19: Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina celebrates match point after his First Round Singles Match against Denis Shapovalov of Canada during day Three of the Fever-Tree Championships at Queens Club on June 19, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Reflecting back, Marcelo fondly remembered recognizing del Potro’s sheer potential to be one of the best players in the world. He further added, “When Juan Martin was ten, I knew he had the potential to be a top-10 player. To join the elite group, every element of your game has to be on a high level, and Juan Martin had that in line. If there were no injuries, he would have been fighting for the ATP throne with Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.”
How Juan Martin del Potro managed to put a dent in the Big Four
The big Argentine will always be known for his offensive skills. The ability to hit flat and powerful groundstrokes, engaging in long, breathtaking rallies is something he was known for. During his career, del Potro has played many memorable matches against the likes of Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic. In 2009, he did the impossible. Juan beat Nadal and Federer in back-to-back matches to lift the US Open. He was the first man outside the ‘Big 4’ to win a major.
Injuries have been a constant in del Potro’s career just as success has been. Be it his wrist or his knee, trouble has always been a part of his journey. Last year at the Queen’s Club, Juan suffered a dangerous injury when he fractured his kneecap. The big man has been out ever since.
