Davis Cup Win Further Bolsters Juan Martin del Potro’s Legacy

Back against the wall, trailing two sets to love in an elimination match on hostile soil, Juan Martin del Potro showed his indomitable spirit.

Fighting for Argentina’s Davis Cup survival, he erased that deficit and knocked off sixth-ranked Marin Cilic to keep the team’s hopes alive. The match went nearly five hours, with Del Potro willing himself to a 6-7 (4), 2-6, 7-5, 6-4, 6-3 victory.

“My finger is broken but I won’t mind one bit if we win the Davis Cup,” Del Potro told reporters, via ATPWorldTour.com. “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.”

Referring to the countless wrist injuries and surgeries he’s endured—ones that wiped away his 2010, 2014 and 2015 seasons—Del Potro scored the biggest win yet in his comeback. After teammate Federico Delbonis defeated Ivo Karlovic in the fifth and decisive rubber, Argentina clinched its first Davis Cup title. 

Another massive accomplishment for Del Potro to add to a potentially Hall of Fame-caliber resume.

Even with the extensive time he’s missed during his career, Del Potro’s compiled an impressive list of achievements. His 2009 U.S. Open title, which he won at age 20 after defeating Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in succession, remains at the top and to date is his only Grand Slam triumph. He may soon build on that tally if what we’ve seen the past few months is any indication.

Where Del Potro’s truly excelled is representing Argentina, a country without the most checkered tennis history. In 2012, he took home a bronze medal at the Olympics. He …

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