Tennis star Juan Martin Del Potro arrives in Sydney. Source: Stephen Cooper / News Limited
AFTER 11 months in the tennis wilderness superstar Juan Martin Del Potro has finally emerged, saying he is determined to rediscover the form that won him the US Open.
Del Potro landed in Sydney on Thursday night preparing to play in his first tournament since last February, having undergone surgery for a troublesome left wrist injury.
The world will see Del Potro play for the first time in almost a year when he takes to court at the Sydney Olympic Park tennis centre next week to defend the title he claimed against Bernard Tomic this time last year.
The Argentine has not been seen on a court since retiring hurt and conceding a first round singles match to India's Somdev Devvarman in Dubai on February 25, 2014.
Tennis star Juan Martin Del Potro arrives in Sydney. Source: News Limited
He conceded that retirement had briefly entered his thoughts during his lengthy rehabilitation.
"During the year I had very bad moments, but I was with my parents, with my friends at home, that was the past and now I am in a good place," Del Potro told The Daily Telegraph.
"I am here in Sydney once again, I would like to share fantastic moments with the fans and the players."
Del Potro, who won the US Open in 2009, has previously struggled with injury in his right wrist, which sidelined him for eight months in 2010 and prevented him from defending his Grand Slam crown.
He underwent surgery to treat that wrist then won 11 titles, including his 18th, when he powered over Tomic 6-3 6-1 to win the Sydney International last January.
Asked if that successful comeback has given him confidence that he can once again reach his full potential, Del Potro replied: "I wish to be as strong as four years ago, but I know that it's a long road.
Juan Martin Del Potro hits a backhand. Source: News Limited
"It's a long trip to feel good again, and nobody knows how I will play in this tournament.
"I am confident, I am very positive, and I will do my best as always."
The 26-year-old was supposed to have made his return in Brisbane last week but pulled out at the last minute due to continuing pain, and revealed that it has not completely subsided.
"I'm feeling OK, it's so exciting to play again, I'm having a little pain in my wrist but it is nothing dangerous which is good," he said.
"It's very important for me to just play again.
"I am so happy to be here after a year out of competition, I decided to come to play in Sydney because it's a very important tournament for me, I have great memories from last year.
"The good thing is that I will start to play again, it doesn't matter the score, how far I can I go, just play tennis. For me that is very good."
Tennis star Juan Martin Del Potro poses for a photo with fan Edwin Llamo and son Adrian. Source: News Limited
Del Potro, who has been ranked as high as world No. 4, has fallen to No. 135 due to his inactivity.
The 198cm powerhouse has shown that at his best, he can beat the world's best.
But Del Potro's challenge will be to completely overcome the injuries that have stifled his promising career.
His US Open victory marked the only time a player outside the Big Four — Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray — had won a Grand Slam between the French Open in 2005 and the US Open in 2013.
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