Former US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro has said he is ‘having a hard time’ dealing with his absence from the upcoming ATP World Tour Finals due to injury.
The 30-year-old qualified for the season-ending tournament for the first time since 2013, but has been forced to withdraw from the competition. During the Shanghai Masters last month, Del Potro suffered as heavy fall and injured his knee. A MRI scan later found that he had fractured his right patella bone. The patella is also known as the kneecap.
“My injury was a hard blow, it was hard to take it in, and even today I’m having a hard time seeing myself out of the World Tour Finals, out of the tour, not being able to end one of the best seasons of my career due to another injury, this time with bad luck.” Del Potro said in a Instagram video published on Wednesday.
During 2018, the Argentine won two ATP titles, including his first at Masters level in Indian Wells. Where he defeated Roger Federer in the final. Overall, Del Potro has featured in six finals this season, including the US Open. In August he achieved his best ever ATP ranking at third in the world.
Injuries are something that has hampered Del Potro throughout his career. He has undergone a total of four surgeries on his wrists. At his lowest he could only play 14 matches on the tour between 2014-2015 and dropped to 1042nd in the world.
“Rehab is going well, I’m feeling better and that gives me confidence and desire to keep on playing.” He said.
“Of course, I had to change my goals because of this. I felt like the world fell apart. I have experience from past years with the wrist but I never expected something similar would happen again.
“I’m willing to keep on playing even if it’s not easy. It’s a fight against bad thoughts but without any doubt I will do whatever I can to be ready.”
Undergoing rehabilitation, it is unclear as to when Del Potro will return to the tour. Argentinian newspaper La Nacion has quoted their sources saying that the expected recovery time is between two and four months. Although there has been no official word. The 2019 season will start on December 31st.
“I will be telling you now how my recovery goes and in which tournament I will be making yet another comeback.” Del Potro stated.
At the ATP Finals, Del Potro has been replaced in the draw by Kei Nishikori.
