Juan Martin del Potro has announced that he will not be taking part in next week's Australian Open as a result of an ongoing wrist injury.
The Argentine returned from a 10-month absence in Sydney last week, winning two matches, but he felt a recurrence of the injury after travelling to Melbourne for the first Grand Slam of the year.
The 26-year-old said in a statement: "I didn't feel prepared for playing in this big event. My first Grand Slam after one year, five-set matches, is very tough. It could be dangerous for my wrist.
"It was a tough decision, but it could be a smart decision if I want to stay healthy and play for the whole year. I am still doing treatments. I will see the doctor again. He will say what could be good for my future but I'm very positive.
"I hope to start playing again very, very soon in the United States tournaments. I really enjoyed playing tennis again last week in Sydney, winning a couple of matches. I didn't expect that."
The 2009 US Open champion expects to play in the Indian Wells or Miami Masters events in March.
Sian Cowper
