Del Potro back to defend Sydney title

After a season ruined by a wrist injury, Argentinian ace Juan Martin Del Potro will return to defend his 2014 Sydney International tennis title.

Del Potro destroyed local hope Bernard Tomic, who also returns in 2015, in last year’s final 6-3 6-1.

The 2009 US Open champion suffered the year-ending injury the following month, and is yet to play competitive tennis since.

Setbacks in his rehabilitation prevented Del Potro from re-joining the tour but the heavy-hitting Argentinian is confident he is now ready to play regular tennis.

“Last year I played some of my best tennis there and it is the perfect way to start the year. I am looking forward to being back in Sydney as it is one of my favourite cities to play,” he said.

Del Potro’s first tournament back will be the fellow Australian Open lead-up event in Brisbane.

The enforced lay-off has seen Del Potro drop in the rankings from the top 10 – where he sat for more than two years – to his current rank of 138.

Tour rules give Del Potro a protected ranking of seven which he is using to gain access to the two events.

Del Potro joins top-seed Fabio Fognini, David Goffin and John Newcombe Medal winner Nick Kyrgios in the men’s draw.

A higher-profile field has been assembled for the women’s tournament, with Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova leading 22 of the world’s top 30.

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