The organisers of the Australian Open have confirmed that Juan Martin Del Potro and Eugenie Bouchard will play in the first Grand Slam of 2016 after being sidelined with injury.
Former US Open champion Del Potro hasn’t played on the tour since the Miami Open in March after undergoing a third operation on his left wrist. Due the Argentine’s injury troubles, has only played in seven tournaments since the start of 2014. Despite the setbacks, Del Potro has always remained determined to return back to action. Last month the 27-year-old told the media that he plans to return to the tour in the early part of 2016.
“I hope January or February to return to the court to do what I like to do”. Del Potro said.
“My mindset is much better than a few months or few weeks ago. [My] future is on a tennis court.”
Throughout his recovery period Del Potro has documented the process on his social media accounts. The most recent video uploaded by the former world No.4 was of him hitting a series of double handed backhands.
Another player on course for a January return is Eugenie Bouchard. The Canadian hasn’t played a full match on the WTA Tour since suffering a concussion during the US Open. Bouchard slipped over in the locker room, banging her head. Since the incident she has been plagued with symptoms associated with concussion such as headaches and dizziness. Bouchard tried to make a comeback at the Beijing Open in October but was forced to retire in the second set after experiencing the symptoms again.
Currently the 21-year-old is in Florida training with her coach Thomas Hogstedt. It is reported that she will play back-to-back tournaments in the lead-up to the Australian Open in Shenzhen, China and Hobart, Australia.
The Australian Open will start on January 18th. The defending champions are Serena Williams and Novak Djokovic.
