Juan Martin del Potro’s injury-stricken start to 2019 shows no signs of easing following reports in Argentina that he may undergo another operation.
The 30-year-old has only been able to play in one tournament this year. Reaching the quarter-finals of the Delray Beach Open last month before losing in three sets to Mackenzie McDonald. Del Potro has been sidelined in recent months with a knee injury after damaging his right Patella Bone (kneecap). He was unable to defend his title at this year’s BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells following medical advice.
“It is one of my favourite tournaments, and I have incredible memories from last year, but my doctors have advised me to rest.” Del Potro said in a statement.
Since his latest withdrawal, Del Potro has been undergoing ‘regenerative therapy treatment’ in a bid to fully recover. It is unclear as to what the treatment entails or how successful it has been for him. However, speculation is mounting that the Argentine could potentially be forced to undergo surgery to correct the problem. A scenario that has been confirmed by his manager Jorge Viale.
“Officially, there are no decisions to communicate.” Viale said in a statement sent to El Eco de Tandil on Wednesday.
“The current thing is that Juan Martín follows a treatment of regenerative therapy. The operation is always a possibility, from the day it was broken. For now, we opted for conservative treatments, there will be news (an update) at the weekend.”
Del Potro has already undergone four surgeries on his wrists throughout his career. Missing long periods of the tour and even contemplating retiring from the sport. Nevertheless, he bounced back with a stellar 2018 season. Reaching a total of six finals on the tour, including the US Open. At Indian Wells that year he won his first Masters 1000 title following a three-sets win over Roger Federer. Then in August he achieved a ranking best of third in the world.
There is still hope that the Argentine will recover in time to play in Miami next week and avoid undergoing the knife. Although it remains an 50/50 possibility.
“There are chances that he plays, depends on how he responds to the current treatment.” Stated Viale.
Del Potro has won 22 ATP titles so far in his career and is currently ranked fifth in the world rankings.
