Del Potro not ready to return
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}(SportsNetwork.com) - Former U.S. Open champion Juan Martin del Potro has delayed his comeback from a long layoff following wrist surgery in March.
Del Potro announced on Facebook that he will not be able to compete during the upcoming Asian swing.
"I would like to take this opportunity to tell you, my fans, that although the recovery of the wrist is progressing very well, I need a little more time to reach the competitive level necessary to compete week after week," said del Potro in a message posted on his Facebook page.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"I worked hard to be ready to make my comeback in Asia, where I had great results last year, but unfortunately it was not possible.
"I'm going to miss my fans in Malaysia, Tokyo and Shanghai who always gave me tremendous support. I will keep working hard on my recovery to play the European season at the end of the year."
The 25-year-old Argentine has played just four events in 2014 and last appeared at the Dubai Duty-Free Tennis Championships in February, where he played one set before being forced to retire.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Del Potro, the 2009 champion at Flushing Meadows, will miss tournaments in China, Japan and Malaysia over the next two months.
The season-ending European swing starts Oct. 13 with tournaments in Russia, Sweden and Austria.