Federico Delbonis, the hero of the Davis Cup won by Argentina, has announced his retirement from tennis

Federico Delboniswinner of the most important point in the history of Argentina in Davis Cup, hung up the racket. The 33-year-old from Azul has decided to end his professional career, after 16 seasons on the circuit. And he did it with a simple but emotional message on his social networks: “Thank you!!! I was very happy to do what I like.”

Left-handed and with a two-handed backhand, he began his professional career in 2007, reached 33rd place in the rankings in May 2016 and won two ATP titles, Sao Paulo in 2014 AND Marrakech in 2016. The highest moment of his career, however, was experienced with the biancoceleste shirt.

The thing is Delbo -one of those players who became stronger when he defended the national colors on the pitch- was one of the heroes of that historic and unforgettable consecration of Argentina in the 2016 Davis Cup. In Zagreb, he was in charge of playing the fifth point of the final in view of Croatia and neither the responsibility nor the rival he faced weighed on him. He played the match of his life and defeated the giant 6-3, 6-4 and 6-2 Ivo Karlovic and seals the 3-2 which gives the team captained by Daniele Orsanic the coveted Silver Salad Bowl.

Delbonis, who played his only match in November last year at the Santa Fe Challenger (he reached the quarterfinals) was the only one of that quartet of champions still active. The Corrientes Leonardo Mayer He brought the curtain down on his career in 2021; Guido Pella, early last year; AND Juan Martin del PotroAlthough he never officially announced his retirement, he has not played since February 2022 due to a right knee injury.