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The wrist injury that resulted in Juan Monaco missing six months of action is now a thing of the past as the former world No.10 prepares for his first ATP final since March 2015.
In late 2015, the Argentine underwent surgery to repair a damaged tendon in his right wrist after retiring during his match against Robin Haase in the first round of Kitzbuhel Open. The 32-year-old returned to the tour in February on home territory at the Buenos Aires Open, however, it hasn’t been a smooth comeback. At the Rio Open he retired during his first round match against Daniel Gimeno-Traver due to a shoulder problem. Despite his shoulder scare, Monaco participated in both Masters tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami.
Monaco’s roller coaster journey has finally paid off with his run at this week’s U.S Men’s Clay Court Championships in Houston. Producing back-to-back wins over second seed Benoit Paire and fifth seed Sam Querrey, he reached his first ATP semifinal of the year. The impressive run continued on Saturday with a 6-4, 6-2, win over Spanish third seed Feliciano Lopez.
A couple months ago, reaching the final of a tournament appeared a tall order due to his injury uncertainties. Nevertheless Monaco, known by many as ‘Pico’, told local media in Houston that he is injury free and his wrist is fully recovered.
“This fast … amazing. My wrist is perfect,” Monaco said.
“I have played just four tournaments this year. Practicing, doing my rehab, I was thinking about playing a final again. You give your best, but you never know when it’s going to be. I’m really happy the moment comes fast.”
The popular Argentine will play in his 21st ATP final in Houston, first since last year’s Argentina Open. A triumph in the final would give Monaco his first title since the 2013 Dusseldorf Open and his second Houston title after 2012.
Standing in the way of his bid for a second title in Houston will be defending champion Jack Sock. The 23-year-old American battled past John Isner 7-6(4), 6-3, in his semifinal match. Sock will be the overwhelming favorite in Sunday’s final, however, he isn’t expecting an easy time against the former world No.10.
“Pico is a very good player with a very good clay-court record.” Sock said about playing Monaco in the final.
If Monaco pulls off a shock win in Sunday’s final, he will become the first man from his country to win the Houston title on multiple occasions since José Luis Clerc back in 1981.