Jim Courier names the player whose career was ‘robbed’ by injuries

Juan Martin del Potro’s career was one of the great what-ifs in tennis, with injuries playing a huge part in how his story unfolded.

The Argentinian star picked up a Grand Slam title but could have added several more had he managed to stay healthy. Jim Courier, speaking on the Tennis Channel, spoke about what might have been for Del Potro if not for injuries:

“I think he would have altered tennis history had he been able to remain healthy,” Courier said.

“He broke through with that US Open win against Federer and we thought ‘here comes another one’ and then his wrist starts to bark. And from there it’s just comeback after comeback.”

Jim Courier believes injuries took away Del Potro’s shot at greatness

On a recent episode of ‘Beyond The Numbers’, Jim Courier reflected on Juan Martin del Potro’s career and the impact injuries had on it.

“I’m going to talk about a player who had massive tools, and may have altered the course of tennis history, had he been able to stay healthy,” he said.

“Sadly, Juan Martin del Potro couldn’t.

“This guy had a thunderous serve, and thunderous forehand, and he could go toe to toe with the big four, because he was right in the thick of that era.”

Del Potro was always respected by his peers for how well-rounded his game was. And that 2009 win over Federer only added to his reputation as one of the few players who could genuinely trouble any opponent on tour.

The Argentine never won another major title after 2009 as physical issues started to take their toll. But even so, he remained relevant in men’s tennis for years afterward.

By the late 2010s, Del Potro climbed back up the rankings and reached world number three. He also helped Argentina win its first Davis Cup title in 2016 and reached another US Open final in 2018, losing to Novak Djokovic.

His form in 2018 had him back inside the top five before more knee problems forced another long spell out. That injury came during a match at Queen’s Club when Del Potro slipped awkwardly behind the baseline.

Del Potro eventually announced his retirement in 2025 after battling injuries throughout much of his later career. His final professional match came three years earlier when he lost to Federico Delbonis at an event near Buenos Aires that doubled as a farewell celebration organised by friends including Diego Schwartzman and Gabriela Sabatini.

What if Juan Martin del Potro had stayed healthy?

When Del Potro took down Federer in the 2009 US Open final, there was a sense that more major titles were sure to follow for the Argentine.

Injuries played a big part in preventing that from happening. If he had managed to stay healthy, it’s possible neither Djokovic, Nadal nor Federer would have ended up with 20 Grand Slams each.

One more top-tier player could have changed the balance of power during those years.

Looking back now, as we reflect on the close of that era, Del Potro might have been seen as the standout just behind the big three—not Wawrinka or Murray.

It’s impossible to know how far he could have gone if injuries hadn’t gotten in the way. But even so, Del Potro remains a Grand Slam champion and always will be.

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