Del Potro rules out defending US Open title

(Agencies)
Updated: 2010-05-20 10:34

Del Potro rules out defending US Open title

Argentina's Juan Martin Del Potro looks up during his match against Marin Cilic of Croatia at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne January 24, 2010. [Photo/Agencies]

BUENOS AIRES - Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro will not defend his U.S. Open title as he continues his recovery from wrist surgery, the world number five said on Wednesday.

Del Potro, who had surgery on his right wrist on May 4, said the Paris Open indoor tournament in November was a realistic comeback target.

"If all goes well, I'd return after the U.S. Open," Del Potro said on his arrival in Buenos Aires from a check-up with his surgeon in the United States.

The U.S. Open, where the Argentine with a thunderously flat forehand stormed to a maiden grand slam title last September by coming from two sets to one down to beat Roger Federer in the final, starts on Aug. 30.

"The tournament is and always will be very special for me, all my life, but I don't want to rush things," the rangy 21-year-old told reporters at Ezeiza international airport.

"If I have to return next year or at Paris Bercy, I will," said Del Potro, referring to the Paris Open.

The nagging wrist problem had troubled the right-hander since before his fourth-round exit at the Australian Open in January. He has not played since.

"Thankfully, I've already undergone the operation and everything went well. Now I just have to recover," said Del Potro, who will continue his recovery in his home town of Tandil, 350 km south of Buenos Aires.

"I don't want to get desperate in rehab and I'm comfortable with the fact that if I do my time I'll be playing again on the circuit," he said.

"I know it's going to take a long time to get back to being among the top players like I was before, but what I want more than anything is to return."

Argentina's chances of reaching a third Davis Cup final since 2006 will also decrease with Del Potro's absence from their quarter-final in Russia in July. The Russians beat Argentina in the 2006 final in Moscow.