Former US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro has withdrawn from next week’s Aegon Championships due to a groin injury.
The Argentine hasn’t played since his third round loss to Andy Murray at the French Open. It was during the second round of that tournament where Del Potro picked up the injury. It is the latest setback for the 28-year-old, who was also troubled by shoulder and back issues prior to Roland Garros.
There is currently no information regarding Del Potro’s plans for Wimbledon, but he is expected to play. He is a former semifinalist at the tournament, but has only played at SW19 once since 2013 due to numerous injury setbacks. The most notable being a lengthy absence due to his wrist.
Another withdrawal from Queen’s is world No.54 Dan Evans. The Brit suffered a calf injury during the Surbiton Open last week, forcing him out of the tournament. Since then, he has been spotted on Crutches. Evans has also pulled out of this week’s Nottingham Open to ‘rest his injury,’ but said earlier this week he hoped to play at Queen’s.
Kokkinakis and Ward promoted
Replacing both Del Potro and Evans in the main draw at Queen’s are two players that have also been marred by injury in recent months. Australia’s Thanasi Kokkinakis is set to play in only his fourth tournament of the year. This week the 21-year-old won his first ATP main draw match since 2015 after defeating Mikhail Youzhny in straight sets.
30-year-old Ward returned to action earlier this month after an eight-month absence due to a knee injury. His last main draw match on the ATP World tour occurred in the first round of last year’s Wimbledon Championships, where he lost in straight sets to Novak Djokovic.
“James and Thanasi have had a difficult time with injuries over the last year or two and we are delighted to give them a chance to play in the Aegon Championships main draw. James had a fabulous run to the semifinals in 2011 and we all remember his matches in Great Britain’s Davis Cup win. Thanasi is one of the most talented young players in the sport and it’s great to see him back. We wish Juan Martin del Potro and Dan Evans a speedy recovery and hope to see them next year.” Said tournament director Stephen Farrow.
The Aegon Championships will get underway on Monday. Andy Murray will be the defending champion and top seed. Seven top-15 players will be taking part in the draw.
