Agency :
Argentina’s Juan Martin del Potro has withdrawn from the Rio Open as doubts mount over his future on the professional tennis circuit.
The injury-plagued former world No. 3 had been given a wildcard entry for the ATP 500 event, which will run from February 12 to 20 on the outdoor clay of the Jockey Club Brasileiro in Rio de Janeiro.
“Unfortunately, Juan Martin Del Potro will not play the Rio Open. It was always a dream to have him with us and we came very close to being able to do it,” read a statement on the tournament’s official social media accounts.
“We wish you much success in the future and we want you to know that the doors of the Rio Open will always be open for you,” added the organization.
The announcement came less than three days after Del Potro was eliminated from the Argentina Open by compatriot Federico Delbonis — a match that marked his return to the sport after almost three years on the sidelines.
