Marin Cilic’s emotional note to Juan Martin Del Potro: ‘Your legacy is secure’ | ATP Tour

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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

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 closing 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 fanatics, they’re additionally a celebration of all that you just guys have achieved,” Cilic shared on X.

“Congratulations on all of your unimaginable accomplishments, for realizing your desires, 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 fanatics, they’re additionally a celebration of all that you just guys have achieved. I’m actually blissful 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 instances of their Lexus ATP Head2Head sequence, with the Argentine successful 11 of these matches. The pair’s final assembly got here at Roland Garros in 2018, which Del Potro gained in 4 units.

With that in thoughts, their mutual respect extends far past the courtroom.

Del Potro, a 22-time tour-level titlist, sealed his profession with a 439-174 file, in response to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index.

“Whereas we are able to’t assist however marvel what might have been if luck (and well being) had been kinder to you, your legacy is safe as one of many greats,” Cilic mentioned. “Wishing you all the most effective in the whole lot that follows—you actually deserve it.”