Del Potro began 2010 looking to become world number one but he suffered a serious wrist injury at the Australian Open which would keep him out for virtually the remainder of the season. Having been hailed as the sport's new superstar in 2009 after toppling Roger Federer in the US Open final, it was a tough blow for the Argentine to take.
“I had some very bad moments last year,” he said. “I had my family behind me – and my friends, my coaches. It was very important for me to be here today (back playing). I had an operation and I felt very bad last year, but now I have different feelings. I am playing again and hope to play good tennis and to be injury-free.”
The early signs are good. After receiving a wildcard into the Medibank International, Del Potro knocked out sixth seed Feliciano Lopez in a three hour humdinger 6-7, 7-6, 7-6 and he could well go deep in the draw this week.
However Del Potro is just relieved to be back. “I just want to play,” he said. “I don’t know if I will win or if I will lose, but I will do my 100 per cent on the court. Of course my goal in the next couple of years is to win another grand slam, but it is a long, long way to get there. I’m just trying to feel good again on the court.”