Former US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro has become the latest player to join the star-studded field at this year’s Aegon Championships.
Chasing after his first title on the grass, Del Potro will play in the event for the fifth time in his career. In 2016 he ended his three-year hiatus from the tournament after being sidelined by a serious wrist injury.
Returning to the tour in February 2016, the Argentine has won a silver medal at the Rio Olympics and claimed his 19th ATP title at the Stockholm Open in October. Last year Del Potro achieved a win-loss of 5-3 on the grass. At the Wimbledon Championships he defeated Stan Wawrinka in the second round before losing to France’s Lucas Pouille.
“I am so happy to be coming back to the Aegon Championships at Queen’s Club. It is a great event, to me a very traditional moment of the calendar, such a nice place to play in front of fans that have always been nice to me.” Said 2013 Queen’s quarter-finalist Del Potro.
“I have some very special memories from reaching the Wimbledon semifinals in 2013, winning the bronze medal at the Olympics in London 2012, and playing the Davis Cup in Scotland last year.’
“I want to try to bring my best tennis to the grass at Queen’s this year and if I do, I think I can make some good results.”
Del Potro is the fourth former grand slam champion confirmed for the London event, which takes place two weeks before Wimbledon. Defending champion Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal and Wawrinka have already confirmed their participation in the event. In addition, 2016 runner-up Milos Raonic, 2014 champion Grigor Dimitrov and Nick Kyrgios will also feature.
Tournament director Stephan Farrow has praised Del Potro’s decision to return to the event for the second consecutive year. Last year he lost in the first round to America’s John Isner.
“Juan Martin is hugely popular both on and off the court and we are delighted that he is returning to the Aegon Championships. Everyone knows what a brilliant player he is, and he showed in the Olympics and the Davis Cup last year that he can still take on and beat the very best players in the world.” Farrow said in a statement.
This year’s Aegon Championships will take place between June 19th- 25th. 15,000 more people will be able to watch the action at The Queen’s Club following a 30% expansion in the seating capacity of their premier court.
