Buenos Aires – Argentina's 2009 US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro drew a line under a season ruined by a left wrist injury on Tuesday and said he would not play again this year.
The 26-year-old – who missed most of the 2010 season with a right wrist injury – said he preferred to prepare himself for fresh start next year than try and play in the final few European indoor tournaments.
“Despite good progress through training and physiotherapy, I have decided not to play in the season ending tournaments in Europe,” del Potro wrote on his Facebook page.
“I'm going to use the time to get ready to make a difference next season. I'm not 100 percent ready yet and need to be patient.”
The Argentinian battled pain in his left wrist that first flared up at the Australian Open in January.
He retired from his opening match in Dubai in February and then withdrew from tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami, undergoing surgery in late March.
He has not played since. – Sapa-AFP