Sabatini’s Powerful Statement in Mallorca

In her capacity as ambassador at the WTA 125 event in Mallorca, tennis legend Gabriela Sabatini left no room for doubt when she spoke about her fellow Argentine and friend, Juan Martín del Potro. “I believe that if Juan Martín had been respected a little more due to his injuries, he would have reached number one in the world, even though Federer, Nadal and Djokovic were there,” she stated.

Del Potro’s Unfulfilled Potential

The former world No. 3, whose career boasts 27 singles titles and an Olympic gold medal, reflected on Del Potro’s career. Despite his achievements, including winning the US Open and being a fundamental piece in the historic conquest of the 2016 Davis Cup, injuries ultimately hindered his progress. He reached a high of No. 3 in the world, but Sabatini believes he could have challenged for the top spot.

“Sometimes I don’t feel like it anymore. I’m not indestructible, I’m like any person who has good things and bad things,” Del Potro once reflected, highlighting the mental toll his injuries took on him.

Sometimes I have to put on a good face in certain situations. Juan Martín del Potro

Del Potro’s Road to the Hall of Fame

Del Potro’s career, marked by 22 ATP titles and two Olympic medals, earned him a nomination to the International Tennis Hall of Fame (ITHF) for the 2026 class. Sabatini, herself a member of the Hall of Fame since 2006, lent her voice to support her friend’s induction.

In an emotional farewell match in December 2024, Del Potro received the hug of 15 thousand people in a packed Parque Roca stadium, alongside Sabatini and Novak Djokovic.