“If there is a small chance to come back and play one day, I will do 100 percent my best to do it” – Del Potro on his knee, Djokovic and Alcaraz

Del Potro believes that Djokovic and Alcaraz are a cut above the rest of the field on the ATP Tour

Juan Martin del Potro at the 2022 Buenos Aires Open

August 23, 2023

Two weeks ago, Juan Martin del Potro announced his withdrawal from this year’s US Open, saying his knee was not able to sustain the training required to support his dream of playing one final US Open. But the Argentine is still not closing the door on that dream for now.

In an interview with Tennis.com, Del Potro revealed that it has been an emotionally difficult time for him but added that he would be trying a different method of treatment for his knee in the coming weeks.

“Emotionally it was really difficult for me, because every time that I speak about the US Open, it means a lot to myself. At the beginning of the year, I was talking with my team, with my doctors, trying to see the option to be ready for the Open, at least for the last time in my career,” the 34-year-old said.

“At the end, every time that I push hard, my leg, and my knee, and I was trying to push hard, the pain increases a lot in my training sessions. At the end, I don’t want to make my knee worse that I have it now. So I decide to quit for this year’s US Open. I’m going to be treating the knee with a different method in the next few weeks. I don’t know what could happen next to me. But the US Open means everything for my heart, for my career, for my life. And if there is a small chance to come back and play one day, I will do 100 percent my best to do it.”

Del Potro added that he enjoys spending time with his family and is excited to discover what lies ahead for him. “I’m getting used to be at home every day. I don’t have any specific routine day by day because I’m not training. So I’m trying to discover by myself this part of the life, which is pretty new for me. Tennis will end one day and then the life continues. I’m excited to see what is next for me. I’m living without pressure now. And, for me, it’s a very good way to manage my daily life. I enjoy a lot being close with my family, being in Argentina, and spending time in Miami, too.”

“I think people will get crazy watching them playing finals, as they did in Wimbledon” – del Potro on Djokovic vs Alcaraz rivalry

Alcaraz and Djokovic, Cincinnati 2023 – © Aaron Doster/AP/SIPA

The Argentine, who won 22 titles during his career, also spoke about the current budding rivalry between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz, which has left tennis fans salivating for more.

“First, for the tennis fans, it would be great to see them fighting very often. I think people will get crazy watching them playing finals, as they did in Wimbledon. At the moment, they are the two guys playing tennis in another level. You have very good players like Daniil Medvedev, Alexander Zverev, Casper Ruud, many others. But these two players, for me, from my point of view and how I understand the game, they are even better than the rest, for now. I will be watching on TV,” del Potro said.

I’m crazy about his game, about his charisma
Del Potro on Alcaraz

Carlos Alcaraz, Cincinnati Open final, 2023 — Carlos Alcaraz competes against Novak Djokovic in the Cincinnati Open final, 2023 Zuma / Panoramic

It comes as no surprise that del Potro is also a big fan of Alcaraz, saying that he is ‘crazy’ about the young Spaniard’s game.

“He (Alcaraz) hits his forehand really strong too. He has also a potential to hit better in the future years. I’m crazy about his game, about his charisma. I like a lot the way that he moves in the court. And I think he’s making very good things for the sport. After the Big 3 moves out, the transition is going to be in good hands with Carlos, with Jannik Sinner also. These guys have the potential to be at the top for the next years.”