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

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Cilic’s emotional note to Del Potro: ‘Your legacy is secure’

The Croat shared a touching farewell message on social media

December 05, 2024

Marin Cilic sent heartfelt words to former rival Juan Martin del Potro on social media on Wednesday.

The former No. 3 in the PIF ATP Rankings officially retired from the sport last weekend during a match at Parque Roca in Buenos Aires, where he faced 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic. He also played his final ATP Tour match in the Argentine capital at the 2022 IEB+ Argentina Open.

“A lot of goodbyes this year, and although it’s bittersweet for us tennis fans, it’s also a celebration of all you’ve achieved,” Cilic shared on X.

“Congratulations on all the good things you have achieved, fulfilling your dreams, and inspiring many through your journey.”

Dear Juan Martin,
Lots of goodbyes this year, and while it’s bittersweet for us tennis fans, it’s also a celebration of all you guys have accomplished.
I’m so glad you had the farewell you deserved, at home, on the sidelines @DjokerNolewho showed…
1/3

— Marin Cilic (@cilic_marin) December 4, 2024

The two players achieved the milestone at the US Open, with Del Potro winning in 2009 and Cilic taking home the trophy in 2014. They played 13 times in their Lexus ATP Head2Head series, with Argentina winning 11 of those matches. The last meeting between the two came at Roland Garros in 2018, where Del Potro won in four sets.

With that in mind, their mutual respect extends beyond the court.

Del Potro, a 22-time number one, closed his career with a record of 439-174, according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index.

“Although we can’t help but wonder what would have been if luck (and life) had been kind to you, your legacy is protected as one of the greats,” said Cilic. “We wish you all the best in everything that comes next – you really deserve it.”