Argentine great Juan Martin del Potro has pulled out of the Rio Open, organizers said on Friday a deci-sion that could signal the end of his career The 33-year-old, who has spoken openly of re-tiring, returned to tennis following a two-and-a-half-year injury absence for the Argentine Open but lost in the first round on Tuesday. “Unfortunately, Juan Martin del Potro will not play the Rio Open,” tournament organizers said on Twitter, a day before the opening match.
“It was always a dream to have him with us, and we nearly did. We wish him much success in the future. Please know that the tournament’s doors will always be open to you.” Del Potro said he has been “living a nightmare” since he fractured his kneecap in June 2019 at Queen’s in London.
The former US Open champ lost in straight sets (6-1, 6-3) to compatriot Federico Delbonis in Bue-nos Aires on Tuesday. He said before that tournament that his come-back was “more a farewell than a return.” “Possibly we may not meet again,” an emotional Del Potro told fans after the match. —APP
