Juan Martin Del Potro Withdraws From Brisbane, Comeback Postponed, Australian Open In Doubt

Juan Martin del Potro officially withdrew from the Brisbane Open today. The Argentine who’s last match took place in Dubai last March, remains hopeful of defending his Sydney title and then participating in the Australian Open.

In a Facebook post yesterday, the 26-year-old wished his fans a Happy New Year. “In this special time of the year, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thanks for the love I got from all of you, which helped me through these difficult times I faced after my wrist surgery. Fans anywhere in Argentina, especially those of Tandil; those who write from other South American countries or the farthest place on Earth. From kids to grandparents. Thank You!

“It was hard to stay away from the tour for almost a year, not willing to watch tennis on TV but eager to be right there playing. Thanks to the support I get from you, from my family, my friends, my team and thanks to the will to get back on track, I don’t give up the fight and I work every day to overcome every stone on the way so that I can play without any pain and return to enjoy the competition. I miss feeling the interaction with you on a tennis court.”