By Chris Oddo | Sunday, November 30, 2014

 

Juan Martin del Potro is set to make his long-awaited return at Brisbane in early January.

Photo Source: AP

Juan Martin del Potro will make his long-anticipated return to the ATP Tour at the Brisbane International in early January, the ATP reports.

From the Vault: When Healthy, Del Potro a Threat to Win Slams

Del Potro, who has been out of action since retiring from the Dubai International last February with a left wrist injury, will use his protected ranking of No. 7 in the world to enter the main draw alongside Roger Federer, Kei Nishikori, Milos Raonic, Marin Cilic and Grigor Dimitrov.

“To have eight Grand Slam champions, five of the world’s top 11 men – as well as Juan Martin del Potro with an injury protected ranking of No.7 – and four of the top 10 women commit to Brisbane is a fantastic result, and certainly highlights the players’ regard for the tournament,” tournament director Cameron Pearson told the ATP’s website.

Del Potro had surgery to repair his left wrist on March 24. He has recently begun training on court near his home in Argentina.

In 2010, Del Potro had surgery on his right wrist, and later returned to the ATP’s top five after dropping all the way to 485 in the rankings. The Argentine holds a career record of 312-126 with 18 ATP titles and has 175/1 betting odds to win the tournament.