Argentine tennis player Juan Martín del Potro announced, at a press conference, his professional retirement that will take effect after competing in the ATP Argentina Open.
With tears in his eyes and a choked voice, he said: "I asked to start this press conference myself to give a message that I have been feeling and imagining for a long time. I think it is one of the most difficult messages I have to face and convey. As everyone knows and expects me to make a comeback in tennis. It may not be like that and it may be more of a farewell than a comeback."
"I have been putting in a lot of effort to move forward, but my knee continues to make me live a nightmare. Today is the day that I can't do it, but I never imagined retiring from tennis unless I was playing, and I couldn't find a better tournament than the one in Buenos Aires to do it," said the Argentine tennis player.
As it is known, Del Potro has not played since June 2019 as injuries, especially in the knee, have complicated his recovery.