Juan Martín del Potro, the Argentine former professional tennis star, remains one of the most celebrated players outside of the “Big Three” era of tennis. Known for his powerful forehand, towering height, and sportsmanship, Del Potro’s defining moment came when he clinched the 2009 US Open title, defeating Rafael Nadal in the semifinals and Roger Federer in the final. His victory made him the only player outside Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic to win a Grand Slam title between 2005 and 2012.
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This article dives into the details of Del Potro’s life, from his biography and career milestones to his net worth, career earnings, and achievements.
Juan Martín del Potro’s Biography
Born on September 23, 1988, in Tandil, Argentina, Juan Martín del Potro showed an early interest in sports, inspired by his father, Daniel del Potro, who was both a rugby player and a veterinarian. Del Potro’s mother, Patricia Lucas, is a teacher, and he has a younger sister, Julieta. Tragically, Del Potro’s family also experienced a significant loss when his elder sister died in a car accident when she was just eight years old.
Del Potro’s tennis journey began at the age of seven, coached by Marcelo Gómez, who had also trained other talented players from his hometown. Under Gómez’s guidance, Del Potro began to excel, eventually becoming one of Argentina’s top junior players.
Here are some key personal details about Juan Martín del Potro:
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| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Juan Martín del Potro |
| Nickname | Delpo |
| Date of Birth | September 23, 1988 |
| Birthplace | Tandil, Argentina |
| Nationality | Argentine |
| Height | 1.98 m (6 ft 6 in) |
| Turned Professional | 2005 |
| Highest Ranking | No. 3 (August 13, 2018) |
| Playing Style | Right-handed, two-handed backhand |
| Coach | Sebastián Prieto |
| @delpotrojuan |
Career
Early Career
Del Potro’s tennis career officially began in April 2003 at age 14, when he participated in a Grade-2 tournament in Italy. By 2004, he won his first senior match at an ITF Circuit event in Buenos Aires and reached his first senior singles final in 2005 at a Futures tournament in Mexico. Del Potro’s junior career highlights included winning the Orange Bowl title in 2002 and reaching an ITF junior ranking of No. 3 by January 2005.
Professional Career
Turning professional in 2005, Del Potro’s career skyrocketed in 2008 when he set an ATP record as the first player to win his first four career titles consecutively. In 2009, he achieved his career’s most defining moment by winning the US Open, defeating both Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in an outstanding feat. This victory marked Del Potro as a serious challenger among the era’s top players.
Del Potro’s professional achievements continued with milestones that include winning the bronze medal at the 2012 Olympics, taking silver in 2016, capturing the Indian Wells Masters title in 2018, and guiding Argentina to its first Davis Cup victory in 2016. His resilience was evident as he battled injuries throughout his career, reaching a career-high world ranking of No. 3 in August 2018.
In February 2022, Del Potro announced his retirement, capping a career that spanned 17 years and left an indelible mark on tennis history.
Juan Martín del Potro’s Net Worth Details
As of 2024, Juan Martín del Potro’s net worth is estimated at around $25 million. His wealth is the result of a combination of prize money, endorsements, and sponsorships accumulated throughout his career. Known for his endorsements with brands such as Nike and Wilson, Del Potro’s net worth reflects his popularity both on and off the court.
| Source | Earnings |
|---|---|
| Career Prize Money | $25,375,273 |
| Endorsements and Sponsorships | Estimated $10 million |
Del Potro’s total net worth is reflective of a successful career that includes impressive victories, a loyal fan base, and lucrative endorsement deals.
Prize Money
Del Potro’s career earnings from prize money amount to over $25 million. Here’s a breakdown of his annual prize money over the years:
| Year | Prize Money |
|---|---|
| 2019 | $530,582 |
| 2018 | $6,486,251 |
| 2017 | $2,580,301 |
| 2016 | $923,279 |
| 2015 | $23,475 |
| 2014 | $198,558 |
| 2013 | $4,294,039 |
| 2012 | $3,031,003 |
| 2011 | $1,047,196 |
| 2010 | $95,273 |
| 2009 | $4,753,087 |
| 2008 | $1,322,497 |
| 2007 | $379,660 |
| Career Total | $25,375,273 |
Throughout his career, Del Potro amassed substantial prize money, with peak years in 2009, 2013, and 2018 reflecting his achievements in major tournaments and ATP titles.
Career Stats and Achievements
Del Potro’s legacy in tennis includes numerous accolades and notable achievements. His career stats and victories stand as a testament to his skill and resilience on the court. Here’s a look at some of his most impressive accomplishments:
| Event | Year | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| US Open | 2009 | Champion (defeated Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer) |
| Olympics | 2012 | Bronze Medal |
| Olympics | 2016 | Silver Medal |
| Indian Wells Masters | 2018 | Champion |
| Davis Cup | 2016 | Champion with Argentina |
| Career-High Ranking | 2018 | No. 3 |
| Singles Titles | 22 |
Del Potro’s achievements illustrate his capability to challenge the best players and succeed in the world’s biggest tournaments. His victory at the 2009 US Open remains one of the most memorable wins in tennis history, and his Olympic medals showcase his skill and adaptability across different surfaces and formats.
Achievements
Juan Martín del Potro’s career has been defined by moments of greatness and challenges overcome. With a unique playing style, powerful forehand, and notable sportsmanship, he has cemented himself as a beloved figure in tennis. His legacy includes not only the titles he won but also the respect he earned from fans and fellow players alike.
As a Grand Slam champion, Olympic medalist, and former top-three player, Del Potro’s achievements reflect his hard work, passion, and resilience in a highly competitive sport.