• ATP Tour

Del Potro to return a month ahead of schedule

ESPN staff
July 23, 2010
Juan Martin Del Potro beat Roger Federer to win the US Open © Getty Images
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Juan Martin Del Potro has pencilled in a September 25 return date at the Thailand Open as he bids to make a full recovery from wrist surgery.

The reigning US Open champion confirmed in May that he would not defend his maiden Grand Slam title, after he checked into the Mayo Clinic to correct a longstanding wrist problem. Del Potro admitted at the time that he had been playing through the pain barrier for months.

"I have tried all season to avoid surgery by trying different treatments but, evidently, the injury was more serious," he said pre-operation.

During his absence, the Argentinean has dropped from world No. 4 status to world No. 7, a ranking that will get even lower as he watches the 2010 US Open from the sidelines.

Del Potro had been expected to target November's Paris Open indoor tournament in November for a return to action, but now he anticipates a September comeback.

He told www.thailandopen.org: "I am looking forward to playing the PTT Thailand Open on my return from injury. I really enjoyed myself on my last visit to Bangkok and hope for good results at this year's tournament."

Rafael Nadal has also confirmed he will play the Thailand event, for the first time in his career. "This year, with my health and body in good shape, I am really looking forward to playing some great tennis for the Thai fans," he stated.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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