Juan Martin Del Potro Won't Defend US Open Title

Richard Pagliaro
© Natasha Peterson/Corleve

(August 21, 2010) Juan Martin del Potro won't defend his US Open title this month. As expected, del Potro, who underwent right wrist surgery at the May 4th at the Mayo Clinic and started hitting on the practice court earlier this month, has withdrawn from the US Open. Del Potro's withdrawal comes a day after World No. 1 Serena Williams, 2008 Australian Open finalist Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Tommy Haas withdrew from the Flushing Meadows major.

Del Potro is only the third US Open men's champion in the 42-year Open era to not defend his title.

"I feel extremely sad to announce that I will not to be able to defend my US Open title," said the 21-year-old del Potro in a statement. "Winning in New York last year has been my major accomplishment in tennis and my best memory so far. I am so sorry for my fans, my sponsors and all the people that care about me, but I have only started practicing in the last two weeks and unfortunately I cannot compete at the top level yet. I look forward to returning to New York in 2011 and wish all the best to the tournament organizers and my fellow players."

The withdrawal confirms an announcement del Potro made on May 19th when he told the Argentine media he was targeting a November return to tournament tennis.

"If all goes well, I'll return after the US Open," Del Potro told the media in Buenos Aires in May. "The tournament is and always will be very special for me, all my life but I don't want to rush things."



The US Open begins on August 30th.

Argentine captain Tito Vazquez said del Potro is doubtful for Argentina's Davis Cup semifinal against host France set for September 17-19th.

"I think it will be hard as he still needs another two months to recover from his injuries," Vazquez said prior to del Potro's US Open withdrawal. "I don’t know if he will play at the US Open, and if he doesn’t play there, then realistically it will be tough for him to play in the Davis Cup a week later."

Del Potro, who has not played a match since falling to Marin Cilic in the fourth round of the Australian Open in January, initially announced he hoped to return in time to play the Paris Indoors in November, but could be back before then if his wrist can withstand the rigors of practice.

"In spite of spending a long time away from the game, I will return to the court," Del Potro said. "I don't know where I will be in the rankings. The only thing I'm thinking about is getting back and enjoying it."