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Cilic’s emotional note to del Potro: ‘Your legacy is safe’
Croatian shares warm farewell message on social media
December 5, 2024
AFP/Getty Images
Juan Martin del Potro last played Marin Cilic at Roland Garros 2018.
Written by ATP Staff
Marin Cilic sent his heartfelt wishes to former rival Juan Martin del Potro on social media on Wednesday.
The former PIF ATP rankings No. 3 officially said goodbye to the sport last weekend in an exhibition match at the Parque Roca in Buenos Aires, where he faced 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic. He also played his last ATP Tour match in the Argentine capital at the 2022 IEB+ Argentina Open.
“We’ve said so many goodbyes this year. It’s bittersweet for us tennis lovers, but it’s also a celebration of everything you’ve achieved,” Cilic said at X.
“Congratulations on your amazing achievements, realizing your dreams, and inspiring so many through your journey.”
Dear Juan Martin,
We’ve said so many goodbyes this year. It’s a bittersweet farewell for us tennis lovers, but it’s also a celebration of all you’ve achieved.
I’m so glad you got to say your well-deserved goodbye, at home and with you. @DjokerNoleSomeone showed me…
1/3— Marin Cilic (@cilic_marin) December 4, 2024
Both players achieved career milestones at the US Open. Del Potro won in 2009 and Cilic won in 2014. They have played 13 times in the Lexus ATP Head2Head Series and Argentina has won 11 of them. The last meeting between the two took place at Roland Garros in 2018, where del Potro won in four sets.
With that in mind, their mutual respect extends far beyond the court.
Del Potro, a 22-time tour-level titlist, finished his career with a 439-174 record, according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index.
“I can’t help but wonder what might have been if luck (and health) had been kinder to you, but your legacy is secure as one of the great ones,” Cilic said. “I wish you all the best in your future endeavors. You deserve it.”
