Juan Martin del Potro will resume training to see if his body would be able to withstand a potential return to professional tennis later this year.
The former world No.3 hasn’t played a match since losing in the first round of the 2022 Argentina Open in what was a highly emotional encounter for the Argentine who at the time acknowledged that he was unsure if would be able to return to the sport again. Del Potro’s career has been tainted by injury woes with the latest concerning his knee. He has undergone eight surgeries since 2010 to prolong his career. One on his right wrist (2010), three on his left wrist (2014-2015) and four on his knee (2019-2021).
It could be easy for the 34-year-old to call it a day once and for all considering what he has already achieved in the sport. He has won 22 ATP titles, including the 2009 US Open, and has recorded 10 wins over world No.1 players which are the most by somebody on the ATP Tour who has never topped the rankings. Furthermore, his career prize money earnings are almost $26M.
However, Del Potro is leaving the door open for a return with his sight set on this year’s US Open. During a recent TV interview, the Argentine confirmed that he is prepared to test his body once again.
“I love tennis, it will never be a problem to pick up a racquet and see how I feel. The physical problem and my knee are things I work on every day. I’m going to leave that window open, at least until the US Open as I said. This is the most special tournament for me. I still have time, I will start training, see how my leg and knee react and if I can do it or not,” del Potro was quoted as saying by We Love Tennis.
Whilst he has not been seen on the court, Del Potro has maintained his ties with the sport. Earlier this month he was in Sao Paulo attending a Roland Garros junior series event which he was an ambassador for. During his time there, he gave advice to those participating. It was at the event that he also spoke about not being able to reach world No.1 due to the presence of the Big Three.
“The only thing I lacked was being world No 1,” he said. “It was always a dream and I worked hard for it. I’m proud of my career but I never made it because there was always Federer, Nadal or Djokovic.”
“When I look at the rankings and the years of my career and who was fighting to be No 1, I see that it was beautiful that these were the ones who didn’t let me make it, this dream.”
Del Potro is one of only a few players to have recorded four or more Tour wins against every member of the Big Three.
