Former US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro has advised Novak Djokovic to have ‘good times’ during his injury timeout.
Last week the former world No.1 announced an end to his season due an elbow injury, which requires complete rest. Djokovic’s injury struggles is something that Del Potro knows all too well. Between March 2014-March 2016, the Argentine only played in three tournaments due to a serious wrist injury. At one point he considered walking away from the sport due to the issue.
“It’s not easy to stop for a long time and come back,” Del Potro told AFP News. “Many players can play good after a long injury, but they won’t play as good (soon after) as they will in the future.
“My advice (to Djokovic) is to have good times at home with the kids and you will be strong enough when you are ready to come back.”
Del Potro’s successful comeback is one that that inspires many on the tour. Djokovic previously praised his rivals return to the tour at the Rio Olympic Games. At the Games, the Argentine stunned Djokovic in the first round.
“I’m glad a good friend of mine, and somebody who has struggled the last couple of years with injuries, is back and playing at this level.” Said Djokovic.
Within the past year Del Potro has risen over 1000 ranking places, clinched his first ATP title for 33 months and reached the quarterfinals at the US Open. It has been a dream comeback for the 28-year-old, who admits that he is still troubled by pain in his wrist.
“My wrist bothers me sometimes with the conditions and the weather. I have to be aware of that,” he admitted.
“I’m looking forward to playing a few more years. When you get older you must be smart for training. Now I need to work hard. I lose many positions because of my injuries.”
Winning start in Washington
There were little signs of Del Potro being bothered by his wrist during his first round encounter at the Citi Open. A former champion of the tournament, he eased his way past Lukas Lacko 7-5, 6-2. The 13th seed produced 15 aces in the match and won 84% of his first service points.
The win sets him up with a mouthwatering clash against Japan’s Kei Nishikori. The second seed struggled through in his opening match, battling past Donald Young 6-3, 4-6, 7-6(5), after almost two-and-a-half hours of play.
“The next match against del Potro is going to be a tough one,” said Nishikori, who trails 1-5 in his head-to-head with del Potro.
Top seed Dominic Thiem also made a winning start to the tournament with a 6-3, 6-3, win over Switzerland’s Henri Laaksonen.
