Auckland: “no indication” del Potro will skip event

Published by AAP

Juan Martin del Potro continued his resurgence, advancing to the fourth round of the US Open after beating No.11 seed David Ferrer; Getty Images
Despite reports emerging Juan Martin del Potro could sit out January, Auckland tournament organisers say this has not been confirmed.

Organisers of next month’s ASB Classic in Auckland say they’ve received no indication Juan Martin del Potro will skip the tournament with injury.

Del Potro, 28, was once as high as No.4 in the ATP world rankings but now stands at No.38 due to frequent wrist injuries and operations.

The 2009 tournament winner, who helped lead Argentina to their first Davis Cup title in November, is reportedly contemplating skipping the tournament.

He may also skip the Australian Open in Melbourne, Argentina’s Davis Cup tie against Italy and February’s ATP tournament in Delray Beach.

> RELATED: del Potro could miss Australian Open

“If I’m being smart, I know that I have 15 days of practice left for Australia and for my first tournament, and that’s a goal I’m not going to make,” del Potro said.

“But I also know that it’s an important tournament and that if you do well, you can really move up in the rankings. I’m in a tough situation.”

However, when contacted on Wednesday, an ASB Classic spokeswoman told NZN they were treating the reports as unsubstantiated.

They had spoken with del Potro’s management on Tuesday and been given no indication he would miss the tournament.

The men’s tournament in Auckland will begin on 9 January.

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