The figure of the man from Tandil became the most outstanding figure in the national racket sport, not only because of his achievements on the court, but also because of the magnetism he kept for more than a decade in each city he visited. There was practically no organization or tournament that has not made a comment on their social networks about the farewell of the former number 3 in the world.
The retirement of “Delpo” is not only the end of a career, but the conclusion of the path of the ace of spades of national tennis. He instilled respect among his rivals and made the strongest flame burn in his fans.
Mariano Hood he was the sub-captain of the team that won the Davis Cup and a key piece in the story surrounding Del Potro’s last game: he is the coach of Frederic Delboniswho emerged victorious on Tuesday night. “As a fan, knowing how well he played and everything he has given to Argentine tennis, I feel very sorry, and more so in a circumstance like this”expresses to Ambit after a training of the azuleño.
Almost all the testimonies converge in two feelings: the uneasiness for not seeing the “Tandil Tower” again and the emotion for the farewell in the Central Court Guillermo Vilas, acclaimed by a crowd that sought to support him in the way that was possible. “It was a moment that he deserved on the pitch. I think he enjoyed it. For us, from the outside, it is a mixture of sadness to see him like this but also that he was able to enjoy. I hope it wasn’t the last.”agrees Diego Schwartzman, number 1 in Argentine tennis today.
The situation of “Peque” reveals everything that surrounded Del Potro in this edition of the Argentina Open: the figure of the man from Tandil outshone that of everyone, including that of the defending champion, and showed images that were not seen in many decades in the Palermo club. However, the best tennis player in Latin America does not deny, “because it is what corresponds”. “He is the leader of Argentine tennis since I have been a professional. It would have been very self-centered to think that he was going to be different. Until he decides his future, he will be the leader of Argentine tennis and he earned it on the court”point to this medium.
Many times it is complex to put events of such magnitude into perspective, and even more so when it comes to the maximum emblem of an area or activity. Hours after the defeat of “Delpo” was consummated, Agustin Calleripresident of the AAT, understands that, despite the moment, not everything ends when the sport ends: “It was very exciting, but life goes on and he will always have open doors around the world. He has to be calm that he gave everything ”.
“I do not take it as a retirement, as a farewell, but it is going to prove how it feels. Hopefully you can feel good, because you deserve it. It is not easy to have so many injuries and bear the pain”, he is honest about who he considers “one of the five best tennis players in Argentine history”.
The “Child” Hood picks up some of the words that Del Potro himself raised in recent days: the existence of one last miracle to close his career in a big way. “I hope there is,” asks the former doubles player, and advances with a special wish: “That he has a little more patience this year, more than he already had, and see if there is another treatment that will give him one last chance to play in better physical condition”.
captain’s word
Del Potro’s career is intrinsically linked to the Davis cup, either for winning it in 2016 or for its absences or the guarantee it meant for the Argentine team. In 2011 he played his second final with Modesto Vazquez at the head of the team and forged a relationship of affection that lasted beyond the fields.
“It is very difficult to put yourself in someone’s shoes with everything they have experienced. He is a big one. I appreciate. He was very successful, he achieved a lot in tennis. He experienced many strong emotions, but he is here, life goes on ”asserts “Tito”.
From a former captain to the current one, William Coria he knows both the honeys of success and the frustration of playing with pain and not being able to get out of it. “What he experienced on the court was very special for him,” he is moved, although he admits that it was “difficult” to see him away from that version that frightened rivals because of his fierce right.
Del Potro was part of the group of tennis players that the “Wizard” convened in December for a day of soccer camaraderie and barbecue. Perhaps this episode, added to the (at the time) possibility of playing the ATP in Buenos Aires, ignited the illusion of thousands of tennis fans ahead of the March Qualifiers against the Czech Republic.
“He was one of the first to write to me after the draw, he was happy because it will be local. It is a complicated date to give the team, his priority was another. We accompany him on his return after several years without playing. It was difficult to make a Davis Cup decision.”summarizes the eldest of the Coria.
However, like the man from Tandil, the captain leaves the door open, once again, for a miracle: “Perhaps, if everything happened, there was the possibility. He will be accompanying from the place that touches him, and we will work together with him. We’re all going to be happy if he manages to come back.”
That possibility of trying a comeback is what all Argentine tennis wants. Nobody, among those involved with the racket, thinks beyond Del Potro’s daily life, but at the same time many are excited about one more function of the great idol. Meanwhile, the shock lingers.
Source: Ambito
David William is a talented author who has made a name for himself in the world of writing. He is a professional author who writes on a wide range of topics, from general interest to opinion news. David is currently working as a writer at 24 hours worlds where he brings his unique perspective and in-depth research to his articles, making them both informative and engaging.
