In 2016, Juan Martin del Potro and his Argentine cohort were on the brink.
Having never won the Davis Cup before – despite reaching four finals – the pressure on Argentina was sky high during their 2016 Davis Cup final against Croatia.
The pressure increased even further when the Croats took a 2-1 lead in the tie, with just one more victory sealing Davis Cup glory.
However, Argentina’s talisman, Juan Martin del Potro, came to the rescue when his country needed him most, fighting from two sets down against Marin Cilic to win a five-set thriller and keep Argentina in the tie.
Remarkably, del Potro won the match despite breaking a finger midway through the contest.
‘I won’t mind one bit if we win the Davis Cup’
While watching compatriot Federico Delbonis play the deciding rubber, del Potro revealed he had suffered a broken finger during the final set of his match against Marin Cilic.
Del Potro fought through the pain, winning the match 6-7 (4), 2-6, 7-5, 6-4, 6-3.
As per Tennis.com, Del Potro told reporters: “My finger is broken but I won’t mind one bit if we win the Davis Cup,”
“It happened when I tried to catch a ball in the fifth set.
The Argentine star, who had long suffered with debilitating injury issues, added: “This was an emotionally exhausting match and one of the biggest wins of my career.
“Thanks to all those who prevented me from retiring, I was very close to never playing again and, well, here I am.”
Del Potro’s resilience was remarkable considering the pressure and his plight. The match would ultimately contribute towards Argentina winning their first Davis Cup title, as Federico Delbonis defeated Ivo Karlovic in the deciding rubber.
Argentina’s coach Daniel Orsanic, who has Croatian heritage, showered del Potro with praise after their triumph.
As per The Guardian, he said: “What Del Potro did was amazing. He represents his country with so much pride, and he also showed how good a player he is.
“His achievement today borders on the impossible, while Federico [Delbonis] played a perfect match and was on top of every ball throughout the contest.”
Marin Cilic’s classy message after Juan Martin del Potro’s retirement
Eight years later, Juan Martin del Potro retired from the sport.
The 2009 US Open champion, considered one of the greatest and most unfortunate players of his generation, competed in a final exhibition match against Novak Djokovic, one he won in three sets.
Following the contest, Cilic – a fellow US Open champion – replied to a farewell message posted by del Potro on social media.
On X [Twitter], Cilic said: “Dear Juan Martin, so many farewells this year, and while they are bittersweet for us tennis enthusiasts, they are also a celebration of all that you guys have achieved.
“I’m truly happy that you had the farewell you deserve, at home, alongside Novak Djokovic, who showed his own greatness by honoring and celebrating this moment with you. It’s a testament to the admiration and respect you’ve earned from your peers and fans alike.
“Congratulations on all your incredible accomplishments, for realizing your dreams, and for inspiring so many with your journey.
“While we can’t help but wonder what could have been if luck [and health] had been kinder to you, your legacy is secure as one of the greats.
“Wishing you all the best in everything that follows—you truly deserve it.”
After the match, Djokovic paid tribute to his great rival.
As per BBC Sport, the Serb said: “I do not know a person who does not love Juan Martin del Potro.
“Juan Martin is an example for all of us, and his greatest victory in life is being a wonderful person.”
During his career, del Potro won two Olympic medals, while also climbing to world number three. The Argentine reached another Grand Slam final at the 2018 US Open, before losing to Novak Djokovic.
