“I really feel sorry that someone like him had to retire,” Rafael Nadal expresses his despair over Juan Martin Del Potro’s retirement
Follow Us
Rafael Nadal and Juan Martin Del Potro
Rafael Nadal will play his first match since his epic Australian Open win over Daniil Medvedev when he returns to action at the Mexico Open 2022. The Spaniard took a brief break after the win in Melbourne and now has a string of tournaments lined up, the first starting in Acapulco.
During a presser as part of the Media Day in Acapulco, Nadal was asked about his thoughts on Juan Martin Del Potro‘s retirement. Nadal said he lamented the situation around which Del Potro as he had to go through many obstacles because of his injuries. He also said Del Potro would’ve had a stellar career, if not for his injuries.
“I can’t compare myself to Juan Martin because I don’t know all the details. I really feel sorry that someone like him had to retire. He has been one of the best we have seen on the circuit in recent years. He has not been able to develop the career that he deserved. Beyond that, I only wish that he is happy, that his injuries disappear, and that he can develop his personal life in a pleasant way,” he said ahead of his first-round match at the Mexican Open.
The Spaniard also spoke about his struggles through injuries as well. Nadal himself had to skip the better half of last year because of a foot injury and said he is cautious about not pushing the limits when it comes to the recovery phase, as it might affect his life after tennis.
“I try to make the right decisions knowing what my life can be like after tennis. I try to pay attention to the people who understand each facet and I pay attention to what the doctors tell me,” Nadal said.
Del Potro was making a comeback after two-and-half years at the Argentina Open, where he was knocked out in the first round by compatriot Federico Delbonis. After the match, Del Potro hung his headband on the net in what looked like a farewell gesture and also said this might be the last match of his career as he might not be able to play at the top level anymore with his persistent knee injuries.
Del Potro aiming to make a one last comeback
The Argentinian is not ready to hang his boots yet and is now set to undergo treatment on his knee in a desperate bid to salvage his tennis career. After fracturing his patella in 2019, Del Potro had to undergo four surgeries which kept him on the sidelines for the last two-and-half years. He is now ready to give one last try to make a return to tennis courts.
After his final match at the Argentina Open, the former US Open champion said that it might be his last match, but he will try to make a comeback if possible after consulting his medical team.
/techfirstnow/media/agency_attachments/kATjCXskQdJKkXN0OuqW.png)