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Olympics was greatest moment of my career
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THERE is a reason why the world likes Juan Martin del Potro very much.
At the Rio Olympic Games this year, del Potro was drawn against world No. 1 Novak Djokovic in the first round. For the crowd it was as good as the final. The Argentine, who hours before the match had been locked up in another drama, pulled off what can only be described as one of the upsets of the Games.
Del Potro’s victory over the top-ranked Serb, who desperately longed for an Olympic medal of his own to add to his plethora of trophies, showed the kind of determination and tenacity he has built over the years.
The Argentine had only just returned to the sport after dealing with multiple wrist injuries over the past three seasons — too long for any athlete to even think of making a comeback. But he persisted, and his fans have a lot to thank for.
After the final point, del Potro and Djokovic walked up to the net and shared what seemed like a long, warm embrace — fitting only of champions — their eyes moist with emotion.
As the on-court emcee approached del Potro for an interview, the 2-meter tall Argentine, hiding his face in his hands, struggled to speak.
“It’s really difficult to talk,” he said, his voice cracking, as the crowd roared in appreciation. “It’s amazing for me.”
Pictures of del Potro and Djokovic in tears were flashed across the world. They are images, endearing ones, that will remain with us for years to come.
They say it is moments like this that make sports so special.
That match was nearly not to be. Barely 12 hours before, del Potro was stuck in an elevator at the Olympic Village for nearly 40 minutes before he was rescued.
It has to be the longest 40 minutes of his life!
Del Potro progressed all the way to the Olympic final, losing to eventual winner Andy Murray, and adding a silver medal to his previous bronze medal.
He got his revenge over the Scot when he beat him in a rubber lasting over five hours in the Davis Cup in Glasgow. Argentina, led by a resurgent del Potro, will now attempt to win its first Davis Cup in Croatia next month.
The former world No. 4 is in Shanghai this week after receiving a wildcard from the organizers of the Shanghai Rolex Masters. A finalist here in 2013, he told Shanghai Daily that his objective this year is to play without pain before making a full return to the tour.
The interview has been edited for clarity.
Q: The last time you were in Shanghai in 2013, you reached the final. How confident are you coming back to the city this year?
A: I am starting to feel confident although to be able to play tennis again is a great thing for my life. To me the question nowadays is to feel free and happy to be playing good tennis again after all my injuries.
Q: What are the best memories of the city from your previous visits?
A: I have great memories of this brilliant city and also of the tournament. It is an honor to have received an invitation. It is an invitation I will never forget as I am on my comeback period.
In 2013, I remember matches against superb competitors and I think this year will be the same.
Q: How confident are you of making it back to the top 10 after difficult couple of years?
A: It is kind of more than reach the top 10 position. After those difficult years, I’m just beginning to understand all that I generated, especially after the Olympic Games. This is the most important thing that happened to me in life. And I hope I will be boosting my confidence playing more tennis.
I had to pass the worst thing that an athlete has to go through — be out completely. Today I am at the tennis courts again, showing my game, getting an Olympic medal and playing Davis Cup for my country.
The major objective is to heal myself completely and get well in all aspects for the upcoming season so that I am able to compete in equal conditions.
Q: Another great player, Rafael Nadal, has been trying to come back after struggling with injuries. What sort of emotions players go through when they are out of the circuit for a longtime?
A: It is very complicated really. I almost did not return to tennis. It crossed my mind many times that I might quit. It was a very complicated injury, which was not healing. Being out of competition is the hardest thing in the world for an athlete.
Q: How do players keep themselves motivated when they are out (with injuries)?
A: My family and friends helped me a lot. There were tough moments honestly. It was important that I always remained hopeful. Keep making an effort. This is my message to the kids.
Q: Are you aware that the Chinese have given you a nickname, “Big Pineapple,” because the pronunciation of your name is similar to the fruit in the local language.
A: Well, I hope the audience and kids will have fun watching me playing and not eating me ...
Q: Your best moment as a
player ...
A: The Olympics to me was the greatest moment of my career, a moment beyond tennis. But now all the moments are important.
Hope this year in Shanghai will be great too.
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