By Chris Oddo | Saturday, January 17, 2015

Juan Martin del Potro’s comeback from wrist surgery suffered a big blow on Sunday. The Argentine pulled the plug on his Australian Open, citing lingering wrist pain from in his surgically repaired left wrist.

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Del Potro, who played his first tour-level matches since February last week in Sydney, says that he hopes to return for the US hard court swing, which takes place at Indian Wells and Miami this March.

“I didn't feel prepared for playing in this big event,” Del Potro said at a press conference on Sunday. “My first Grand Slam after one year, five-set matches, is very tough. Could be dangerous for my wrist and also for my physic. 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.”

Del Potro has undergone surgery on both wrists in the past. After winning the US Open title in 2009, he was forced to end his 2010 campaign in February when his right wrist gave out.

He would later return to elite status, claiming an Olympic Bronze medal in 2012 and reaching the semifinals at Wimbledon in 2013, and climbing back to a peak ranking of No. 4 in the world. But the left wrist gave him problems, and he was forced out of the game again in February last season to have a second surgery.

“I'm sad pull out from this tournament,” Del Potro said. “I was excited to be here, playing in Grand Slam, a lot of people, meeting again the players. But I have to be smart and see more than my present now. I'm looking forward for my future, for my career. I have to do what the doctor says. I'm still positive. I want to play tennis. It doesn't matter how. But after seeing my level in Sydney, I think if I in good shape and I'm healthy, without pain, I could be competitive again very soon.”