Juan Martin del Potro out of Wimbledon after scans confirm surgery for fresh knee injury

On Wednesday evening Del Potro was forced to withdraw from the Fever-Tree Championships at Queens after beating Denis Shapovalov in the first round.

The giant Argentine slipped in the eighth game of the second set but was able to continue and knock out the young Canadian.

But after medical exams overnight, the 2009 US Open champion’s worst fears have been realised as scans revealed he had sustained a recurrence of the right kneecap injury he suffered in October.

A statement from Del Potro’s communications team said: “The medical studies done last night in a clinic in London show that Juan Martin del Potro has suffered again a fracture in the right patella.

“After consultation with his doctor Angel Cotorro, it has been determined that it will require surgery.

“This will take place in the next couple of days with a date and location to be determined. We will keep you informed.”

Although no timeframe has been given for Del Potro’s return, he could face a four-month absence from the tour, similar to his patella injury last year.

This is the latest in a series of injury setbacks for the popular big-hitting star, who has had to deal with multiple wrist surgeries in the past.

And Amazon Prime analyst Annabel Croft said she was devastated for the 30-year-old.

“It is just a heartbreaker, it really is,” she said.

“For somebody who is such a wonderful talent, such an exciting player. One of the most popular to go and view.

“Worked hard all the way through these years ever since he won the US Open in 2009. He’s had just so much to contend with. Each time he gets himself back challenges the very best in the world and you think this guy can still win Grand Slams.

“And every time yet another setback. It is just hard to believe because I thought his tennis in the first round was absolutely unbelievable.”

source: express.co.uk