Former world number four Juan Del Potro has made a record recovery from his hip muscle tear and will take his place at the start at the French Open.
The Argentine confirmed his participation with a Tweet: “It was a big effort, but see you in Paris.” The 2009 U.S. Open winner suffered his injury in late April in Estoril, but played through pain over two matches in Madrid the following week. His problem caught up with him as he was forced to withdraw prior to facing Rafael Nadal in this third round.
Del Potro flew home to Buenos Aires for medical consultations and intense rehabilitation. The Roland Garros semi-finalist from two years ago spent most of 2010 off court after a right wrist surgery.
Doutbs over Roddick’s fitness
While del Potro prepares to head to Paris, there are now doubts about the participation of American Andy Roddick, who is nursing a shoulder injury.
The former number one first felt the problem last week in Rome, when he was forced to withdraw before the doubles final. He also pulled out of his final tune-up event in Nice prior to Sunday’s Paris start.
Roddick has never done well at Roland Garros, with his best showing a 2009 fourth-round spot. He is hoping not to compromise his grass-court season in Britain starting in little more than a fortnight.
“I was already injured last week in Rome and I had to withdraw from the men’s doubles final,” Roddick told local media. “I don’t know yet if I will be able to play at Roland Garros. You cannot play a Grand Slam if you’re not 100 per cent.”
