BUENOS AIRES — Former US Open champion Juan Martín del Potro has been forced to publicly address and deny what he termed "totally false" rumors circulating about his private life, specifically concerning speculation that he was expecting a child. The 2009 US Open winner took to his official social media channels to set the record straight, expressing his frustration at the invasive and baseless nature of the gossip.
In a heartfelt and candid statement posted in Spanish to his Instagram stories, del Potro directly confronted the unfounded claims. "I want to tell you that the rumors that are circulating about my private life are totally false," he wrote. The Argentine star, who has largely stayed out of the public eye since his emotional retirement ceremony in 2022, emphasized his desire for privacy and respect during this period of his life away from the professional tennis circuit.
A Private Life in the Public Eye
The rumors appear to have originated from fan forums and gossip accounts, gaining enough traction to necessitate an official response from the beloved athlete. Del Potro's statement continued, underscoring his current priorities: "I am focused on my recovery and my life off the court, and I ask that you please respect my privacy." This reference to "recovery" is a poignant reminder of the brutal series of knee injuries that ultimately cut short his illustrious career.
Fans of the gentle giant, known for his ferocious forehand and humble demeanor, were quick to flood his social media with messages of support, condemning the spread of false information. Many noted the irony of del Potro, who has always been notoriously private about his personal relationships, being subjected to such public speculation. The incident highlights the intense, and often unwelcome, scrutiny that global sports figures face even after they have stepped away from competition.
A Career Marred by Persistent Injuries
To understand del Potro's current focus on "recovery," one must look back at his arduous physical journey. His career was a relentless battle against injuries, a series of devastating setbacks that tested his resilience time and again. After his breakthrough Grand Slam victory in New York, where he defeated Roger Federer in a stunning five-set final, a promising rivalry with the sport's "Big Four" was cut short.
The primary antagonist was his own body. Del Potro underwent a staggering number of medical procedures on his wrists and knees, fighting to return to the sport he loved. His injury history is a catalog of perseverance:
- 2010: Underwent surgery on his right wrist.
- 2014: Required surgery on his left wrist.
- 2015: A second surgery on his left wrist was necessary.
- 2019: Fractured his right kneecap in Queen's.
- 2020 & Beyond: Underwent four separate surgeries on his right knee.
Each comeback was met with thunderous applause from fans and fellow players alike, a testament to the universal affection he commanded. His final match, a loss to his friend and countryman Federico Delbonis at the Argentina Open in February 2022, was an emotionally charged event where he broke down in tears, officially signaling the end of his playing days. His focus since then has been on managing his long-term physical health and building a new life.
The Emotional Toll of a Public Persona
The recent rumor mill activity underscores a difficult reality for retired athletes: the transition to a private life is not always clean or respected. Del Potro has made sporadic public appearances, often at tennis events where he is honored, but has otherwise guarded his personal life fiercely. In various interviews since his retirement, he has spoken about the challenges of adjusting. "It's not easy to leave behind something that was your entire life," he told an Argentine newspaper last year.
This incident is not the first time del Potro has had to defend his personal sphere. Throughout his career, he kept details of his relationships away from the media spotlight, a decision he reiterated in his recent denial. The decision to publicly shut down the fatherhood rumors was likely born from a desire to control the narrative and prevent the falsehood from spreading further, potentially affecting his family and close friends.
A Legacy Defined by More Than Tennis
Despite the frustrations of the current situation, del Potro's legacy remains untarnished. He is remembered not only for his thunderous groundstrokes but for his incredible sportsmanship and gentle nature. His epic matches at the Olympics, including a victory over Novak Djokovic to win a silver medal in 2016 and a bronze in 2012, are etched in tennis history. His final Davis Cup victory in 2016, almost single-handedly carrying Argentina to its first-ever title, solidified his status as a national hero.
The universal respect he commands was on full display during his retirement ceremony, where rivals like Djokovic and Federer paid emotional tribute. Federer, whom del Potro beat for his sole Grand Slam, once said of him, "He's a wonderful guy, and it's been a pleasure to play against him all these years." This current episode has only reinforced the public's protective stance toward a man who gave so much to the sport while asking for so little in return.
Conclusion: A Request for Respect
Juan Martín del Potro's response to the "totally false" rumors was firm, clear, and a necessary boundary-setting exercise. It serves as a reminder that athletes, even those as celebrated as he is, are entitled to a private life beyond the speculation of fans and media. His statement was not just a denial of a specific rumor, but a broader plea for the respect and space he has earned after a career spent giving his all to the public.
As he continues to navigate his post-tennis life focused on his health and personal happiness, the overwhelming response from the global tennis community has been one of support. The hope is that this public denial will be the final word on the matter, allowing one of the sport's most beloved figures the peace and privacy he so clearly desires and deserves.