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Cilic’s emotional word to Del Potro: ‘Your legacy is safe’
Croat shares heartwarming farewell message on social media
December 05, 2024
AFP/Getty Photographs
Juan Martin del Potro final performed Marin Cilic on the 2018 Roland Garros.
By ATP Employees
Marin Cilic despatched his heartfelt regards to former rival Juan Martin del Potro on social media Wednesday.
The previous No. 3 within the PIF ATP Rankings formally bid farewell to the game final weekend throughout an exhibition match at Parque Roca in Buenos Aires, the place he confronted 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic. He additionally performed his last ATP Tour match within the Argentine capital on the 2022 IEB+ Argentina Open.
“So many farewells this yr, and whereas they’re bittersweet for us tennis lovers, they’re additionally a celebration of all that you just guys have achieved,” Cilic shared on X.
“Congratulations on all of your unbelievable accomplishments, for realizing your goals, and for uplifting so many along with your journey.”
Pricey Juan Martin,So many farewells this yr, and whereas they’re bittersweet for us tennis lovers, they’re additionally a celebration of all that you just guys have achieved. I’m actually glad that you just had the farewell you deserve, at residence, alongside @DjokerNole, who confirmed…1/3
— Marin Cilic (@cilic_marin) December 4, 2024
The 2 gamers achieved their profession milestones on the US Open, with Del Potro rising victorious in 2009 and Cilic claiming the trophy in 2014. They performed 13 occasions of their Lexus ATP Head2Head collection, with the Argentine profitable 11 of these matches. The pair’s final assembly got here at Roland Garros in 2018, which Del Potro received in 4 units.
With that in thoughts, their mutual respect extends far past the court docket.
Del Potro, a 22-time tour-level titlist, sealed his profession with a 439-174 report, in response to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index.
“Whereas we are able to’t assist however surprise what might have been if luck (and well being) had been kinder to you, your legacy is safe as one of many greats,” Cilic stated. “Wishing you all the most effective in all the things that follows—you actually deserve it.”
