Juan Martin del Potro is looking to begin the comeback trail in February. The 2009 US Open Champion fractured his knee on the grass courts of Queens Club in 2019. The Argentine has not played a match since. The former World #3 announced on Instagram the intention to play in Rio and Buenos Aires.
Financial struggle
Del Potro needs to be back on the court and winning matches. The 33-year-old faces an uphill struggle back to fitness. The Argentine also faces struggles off court. Daniel Del Potro, the player’s father died, early last year. Daniel had been in control of his son’s finances from the start of the Argentine’s career.
According to reports, Del Potro’s father wasted his son’s money. It is alleged that Daniel made bad investments and lost money. Del Potro senior rented 9,000 hectares of land with the intention of growing soybeans. Without the knowledge or experience, the investment failed. None of this was meant intentionally, but the veterinarian was not business minded.
Del Potro discovered the debt his father had built up after his tragic death in 2021. The Argentine Olympic medalist only has about 10% of his career earnings in the bank. This equates to around $3 million. The former World #3 should have career earnings of around $30 million.
The Argentine still enjoys playing tennis. Del Potro aims to enter events in February as the start of a comeback. Winning the Davis Cup, Olympic medals in London and Rio and winning the Grand Slam in 2009 will be highlights of his career.
Who knows what the future holds for the big friendly Argentine. However, it appears that Del Potro will be back on the tennis court soon.
The Tower of Tandil will be welcomed back on court like Andy Murray at the Australian Open. Del Potro will be the underdog in most matches. Crowds love an underdog. Popular underdogs even more so.
Personally, I cannot wait to see Juan Martin Del Potro back on the courts. Hope the Argentine makes the comeback. Unlikely to win a major, but never discount anyone.
Main Photo from Getty.
