Juan Martin del Potro’s US Open farewell plans derailed by injury setback

FLASHBACK: Tennis Channel Live discusses the potential comeback of Juan Martín del Potro at the 2023 US Open.

Say it ain’t so, Juan Martin del Potro! The 2009 US Open champion posted an disappointing update to social media on Thursday, as his plans for a farewell match at the year’s final Grand Slam event were derailed due to an ongoing knee injury.

Last year, the world No. 3 competed in the final match of his career at an ATP 250 event in Buenos Aires. What was supposed to be his comeback event after a lengthy injury layoff quickly became an unofficial retirement, as he bowed out in the opening round and received an emotional sendoff in front of his home crowd.

But in March, Del Potro surprised fans with the news that he was back to training in hopes of competing one more time at this year’s US Open, where his 2009 final victory over Roger Federer sealed his name into Argentina’s storied tennis history books.

After this year’s US Open wild cards were announced on Wednesday, with Del Potro’s name notably absent, the 34-year-old took to social media to confirm.

“As you know, my desire to return to such a special court like the one at the US Open had me very excited,” he wrote in Spanish. “I pursued every possible means in order to get there, but my body is not 100 percent with me to let me feel comfortable and content to share in such a unique moment one more time with you all.”

While his hopes of retiring from tennis on his own terms have taken another blow, Del Potro added that his immediate goal is to work toward improving his "quality of life.” Due to his chronic knee injury, the 6' 6" Argentine has admitted to struggling up and down stairs, and in May his fitness coach revealed to press that he was still unable to jog or sprint during his training.

“...The pain I feel won’t let me focus on a return yet,” he wrote. “I will keep looking for better alternatives in order to regain my quality of life.”

The snake-bitten Del Potro frequently struggled with injury and fitness throughout his career, which also saw him rack up 22 ATP-level titles including the US Open. But despite the latest injury setback, Del Potro didn’t close the door on another potential return to action further down the road.

“I thank you all for your company, your understanding and for all the messages of support you’re sending me,” he added.

“Sending you all a big hug. I hope to see you soon.”