AFP, Melbourne :
Argentina’s Juan Martin del Potro has had new surgery on a left wrist injury which forced him to pull out of the Australian Open, the ATP said on Wednesday.
The 2009 US Open champion underwent what was described as minor surgery in the United States to address pain caused by hitting a two-handed backhand.
The procedure was successful and del Potro was expected to begin rehabilitation in two weeks.
He posted a message and a photo with his doctor on his Facebook page which stated: “A few hours ago I was in Australia, today at the Mayo Clinic (Rochester, Minnesota).
“As recommended by my doctor, I underwent a minor surgery to fix the problem that caused me pain in the wrist.
“I feel more determined than ever to return to the courts sooner than later, to play tennis without feeling pain and to enjoy the love that you give me.”
The Argentine had surgery on his right wrist in 2010 and on his left wrist in March last year.
He resumed playing for the first time since February last year in Sydney this month where he reached the quarter-finals.
As well as beating Roger Federer in the 2009 US Open, del Potro reached the semi-finals of the French Open (2009) and Wimbledon (2013) as well as two Australian Open quarter-finals (2009, 2012).