Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro loses to countryman in emotional ATP return
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Loading... - Jeffrey McKay
- 11 Feb 2022
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Former world number three Juan Martin del Potro’s long-awaited ATP tour return ended in heartache in Buenos Aires after the Argentine lost to his friend and countryman Federico Delbonis.
In Del Potro’s first match since March 2019, he broke serve in the opening set of the Argentina Open match before ultimately falling 6-1 6-3 in one hour and 23 minutes.
The 2009 US Open champion needed to pause play while preparing to step to the line in the second set as he became overcome with emotion, prompting the crowd to chant sympathetically for the Olympic silver medallist.
Also present in the stands was his sister – Argentina Davis Cup captain Guillermo Coria – and many of the players competing at the tournament.
After match-point, Delbonis and Del Potro hugged while the crowd continued to chant and applaud the latter.
Earlier Del Potro revealed he may retire after the event, prompting an outpouring of support from fellow players – including former world number one Andy Murray.
The three-time grand slam champion told Tennis Head: “I hope he’s doing OK. I feel for him. I know it’s an incredibly difficult situation. Read More…
