Del Potro wins on return from wrist injury

Originally published on 13/02/14

The world No.4 returned to action this week at the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam, where he defeated Gael Monfils, champion in Montpellier last week, 7-6(6) 6-3.

After winning the 2009 US Open, Del Potro missed most of the 2010 season with a right wrist injury, but this time it was his left wrist that required treatment.

He had previously received injections in his left wrist during last year’s US Open and the problem flared up during last month’s Australian Open, where he lost in the second round to Roberto Bautista Agut.

"My left wrist is getting better," said Del Potro, who flew to Minnesota for treatment. "It's improving day by day. I think I played 50 per cent slices.

“For the next match I will try to play more my regular backhand. I don't feel pain at the moment, which is good. I will do my treatment now and hopefully be better for tomorrow."

Del Potro, who is the defending champion in Rotterdam, will face Paul-Henri Matthieu in the second round, while second seed Andy Murray, who received a wildcard for the event, takes on Austrian Dominic Thiem after defeating Edouard Roger-Vasselin in his opening match.

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