“My daily life isn’t what I would like it to be” – Del Potro shares his ordeal after retirement

Former US Open champion Juan Martín del Potro has spoken about how injuries have hampered his day-to-day life in a video he posted on social media.

Del Potro, who played his final professional match in February 2022, said he underwent two surgeries after his final tournament but chose not to talk about it because he did not want people to continue asking him when he would return or play again.

“My daily life isn’t what I would like it to be. I can’t play football, I can’t play padel. It’s terrible. They took (from) me the chance to do what I loved the most, which was to play tennis,” said Del Potro. “It’s very tough. There are moments where I have no more strength. I’m not indestructible. I have good things, bad things but most of the times I have to fake it and put a good face, but many times I feel terrible. Every day when I wake up, I have to take six or seven pills. Gastric pills, anti-inflammatories, one for anxiety. Then the pills made me gain weight so they told me to stop eating some things.”

The Argentine, who will be back on the courts for an exhibition match against Novak Djokovic in Buenos Aires next month, said he has been working out in order to be ready for the exhibition clash.

“I started my diet, I’m losing weight, I’m training. I want to arrive at that match in the best shape possible. It’s a match to say goodbye,” Del Potro said. “Djokovic was very generous in accepting my invitation. I want to show him all the love possible. If at least for one, two or three hours I can be at peace and happy on a tennis court, it will be beautiful.”

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