Following a nine-month absence from professional competition due to a wrist injury, Juan Martin del Potro recently announced that he would return to professional competition at the Brisbane International. However, just before the New Year, the Argentine withdrew from the Brisbane International and delayed his comeback indefinitely.

It appears del Potro is still suffering from the persistent wrist injury and is not prepared to risk an premature return.

“I love playing in Sydney. The city and the fans are great and I can’t wait to come back and defend my title,” said del Potro ahead of his withdrawal. “Last year I played some of my best tennis there and it is the perfect way to start the year. I am looking forward to being back in Sydney as it is one of my favourite cities to play. I remember there were a lot of Argentine fans who came out to support me which was amazing.”

Del Potro, who is currently ranked No. 138 but will use a protected ranking of 7 in 2015, prepared his training both on and off the court in Argentina. He has not played a match since February. He managed to win the Apia international in Sydney at the start of the season, then struggled from then on and eventually opted for surgery after failed bids in Rotterdam and Dubai. Del Potro has since recovered and begun his pre-season training.