The latest comeback of Juan Martin del Potro will not occur on Australian soil, according to two media sources in his home country.
The former US Open champion hasn’t played a match on the tour since June after fracturing his right kneecap at the Fever-Tree Championships in London. Shortly after the Argentine underwent surgery and previously hinted that he was unsure if he will be able to return to the tour. Although that has since been ruled out.
Originally, it had been hoped that Del Potro would be fit in time for the Australian Open, which will start on January 20th. However, newspaper El diario de Tandil has reported that this is no longer the plan. There is no official confirmation but it has been reported that he is still experiencing pain in his knee.
“After spending New Year in Tandil, Juan Martin del Potro will not play in Australia. Unfortunately the pains in his knee continue, more than six months after his operation, and there are more doubts than certainties.” Journalist Bernardo Paredes wrote on Twitter.
A separate report by La Nacion also states that the 31-year-old is continuing to experience pain. Naming the Delray Beach Open as a possible tournament where Del Potro will start his return instead. He won the tournament back in 2011 and reached the quarter-finals last year.
“He is registered (to play) in Australia, but he still has operated knee pains and it is believed that his return can occur at the ATP 250 from Delray Beach, in the third week of February.” La Nacion claims.
Injury prone Del Potro has only been able to play at the Australian Open once since 2015. Last year he was forced to miss the event due to a similar knee problem. He was also absent in 2015 and 2016 due to wrist surgery. Then in 2017 he pulled out due to fitness concerns.
Due to his absence, Del Potro has fallen down the rankings to 122nd in the world. This time last year he was ranked fifth.
