Rehab is no day at the beach, but Juan Martin del Potro looked relaxed and comfortable crunching forehands during a practice session at Crandon Park on Key Biscayne.
Wearing a brace around his surgically-repaired left wrist, del Potro did not test the wrist hitting his two-handed backhand, but looked fit and was timing his forehand well.
Check out the video of the 2009 U.S. Open champion tuning up his forehand in a hitting session at the home of the Miami Open.
The 26-year-old Argentine underwent what his press rep called "minor surgery" on his left wrist at the at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. last month after withdrawing from the Australian Open.
“I didn't feel prepared for playing in this big event,” Del Potro said at a press conference announcing his Melbourne withdrawal. “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.”
While he is still officially entered into next week's Delray Beach tournament, given del Potro has apparently not yet started hitting his two-hander in practice his status for the 250-level tournament remains uncertain.
Del Potro can play the one-handed slice, but his two-handed backhand is his primary backhand shot. His left wrist absorbs the shock of the incoming ball, which has led to wrist issues. Surgery on Del Potro's left wrist limited him to just four tournaments last season.
Earlier this week, Del Potro found inspiration reuniting with good friend and compatriot Pablo Prigioni, who's facing his own professional pain as point guard for the inept New York Knicks.