Former US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro has pulled out of the upcoming Australian Open starting January 20. del Potro has failed to recover from a knee injury which he suffered during the Wimbledon tune-up at Queen’s in June last year.
“Our two-time quarterfinalist Juan Martin del Potro has withdrawn from Australian Open 2020 as he continues to recover from a knee injury,” the Australian Open tweeted on Saturday.
“Wishing you all the best with your recovery. We hope to see you back in Australia soon,” it added.
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del Potro made the last eight at the Melbourne Park in 2009 and 2012. The 31-year-old Argentinian has played just one Australian Open since 2015, reaching the third round two years ago.
Three-time champion Andy Murray and Japanese tennis star Kei Nishikori have already withdrawn from the Australian Open.
The tournament will see players competing for a record AUD 71 million ($ 49.1 million).
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The men’s and women’s singles champions will pocket $4.1 million each after officials announced an increase of 13.6% on last year’s purse. Prize money has more than doubled (183.9% increase) from A$25 million in 2011 (10 years).
Those who lose in the first round of qualifying will take home A$20,000, up 33%, while players losing in the first round of the main draw will earn A$90,000 in prize money.