Del Potro returns for Delray Beach Open

The Delray Beach Open received a huge boost as former U.S. Open champion Juan Martin del Potro announced this week he will attempt another comeback from chronic wrist issues.

The gentle Argentine giant Del Potro, 27, stunned Roger Federer in his prime, coming from two sets down to win the U.S. Openin2009 to become the tallest player at 6-foot-6 to win a Grand Slam tournament. He reached a career high No. 4 in January 2010 and a career-year-ending rank of No. 5 in 2013. He has undergone several surgeries on both wrists, which has caused his rank to drop to 1,041.

The last time del Potro played was in the Miami Open last March, where he lost a first-round match to Vasek Pospisil and then realized that his wrist was still not strong enough to withstand the rigors of the professional circuit.

The only other time del Potro played the Delray tournament was in 2011 when hewon the title.

The main draw of the Delray Beach Open begins Feb. 15 at the Delray Beach Tennis Center, and tickets are available at yellowtennisball.com or by calling 561-330-6000 ext.1.