Australian Open: Juan Martin del Potro Withdraws

Juan Martin Del Potro
Reuters

Juan Martin del Potro withdrew from the Australian Open due to a nagging wrist injury. His left wrist caused him to miss the majority of the 2014 season.

“Well, I didn’t feel prepared for playing in this big event,” he explained to the media. “My first Grand Slam after one year, five-set matches, is very tough, could be dangerous for my wrist…. I think it was a tough decision, but could be a smart decision if I want to stay healthy and play for the whole year.”

He participated in the Sydney International, where he was defending champion, but lost in the quarterfinals. He complained of pain in his wrist at the tournament. He cut short his practice in Melbourne on Sunday.

“It’s something similar,” he described. “It’s been hurting the last couple of days and weeks. Nothing new. Nothing dangerous. But I think my wrist is not ready for play in this important tournament. I’m looking forward for the whole season. It’s tough to say this, but I’m still positive and I want to play tennis as I did last week. That’s why I decide for withdrawing here.”

Del Potro defeated Roger Federer at the 2009 US Open, but it was also the beginning of numerous wrist injuries. The surgery in 2010 appeared to treat the problem. He soared through the rankings in 2013, finishing in the fifth spot.

Japan’s Hiroki Moriya received del Potro’s spot in the first round against Poland’s Jerzy Janowicz.

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