Juan Martin del Potro fancies last match at US Open 2023

Juan Martin del Potro has expressed his wish to return to the tennis court at Flushing Meadows for the 2023 US Open to play the last match of his professional tennis career.

The Argentine won his biggest title in New York by defeating 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal in the semi-finals and 20-time Major winner Roger Federer in the final of the 2009 US Open.

Having struggled with multiple injuries and gone through a lot of pain over the last couple of years, the 34-year-old was last seen in action at the 2022 Argentina Open, where he lost to compatriot Federico Delbonis.

At the time, he broke down in tears and hinted at retirement by hanging his headband to the net. However, del Potro recently stated that he wanted to return to training and give himself a chance to play in the season's last Major.

Speaking to The Associated Press, the former World No. 3 remarked that he was going to work hard "for the last time" and leave his fate up to God.

"My goal is to be ready to play an official match in the tournament," del Potro said. "I don't know if I will be 100% or not but, at least, if my last tennis match ever has to be this year, I want it to be at the US Open. I will work hard for the last time, maybe, in my career, and then you never know. God will decide if I'm ready or not."

Del Potro also teased returning to action during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where Argentina emerged victorious. US Open tournament director Stacey Allaster was excited to welcome the 2009 champion back once again, saying that his graciousness made him a fan-favorite at Flushing Meadows.

"Juan Martin del Potro is a true favorite of US Open fans," Allaster said. "He is a tremendous, yet gracious competitor and we would be thrilled for this former champion to join us at this year's tournament."

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Juan Martin del Potro - "I have time to do everything that I want to do"

Juan Martin del Potro

After nearly two decades of constant travel for tournaments, Juan Martin del Potro is finally enjoying his time with his family and the fact that he can do whatever he wishes to.

"The most beautiful thing is that I have time for myself. I have time to do everything that I want to do — if I want to be at home with family or if I want to go out and drink wine or tequila. I have no more pressure in my life," del Potro said.

The Argentine is currently acting as a strategic adviser for the Pro Padel League team in Miami. North America’s first professional padel league will be played from May to June.