Former US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro is set to make his return to competition at the Sydney ATP tournament, beginning on Monday, after almost a year on the sidelines with a wrist injury.

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The Argentine, who memorably won the US Open in 2009 at the age of 20, reached a high of world No4 the same year before being plagued with a series of long-term injuries.

“I adore the circuit, the competition and that has been more of an influence on my decision rather than the pain in my hand,” Del Potro said on his Facebook account.

“I am not expecting great results, I just want simply to relive the joy of competition after almost one year away from the courts,” added the 26-year-old, who won the Sydney tournament last year before breaking down in Dubai in February which led to left wrist surgery.

Del Potro, now ranked 135, also had a long layoff in 2010 stemming from an injury to his right wrist before bouncing back and breaking into the top five at the end of 2013.

Meanwhile, a forearm strain has ruled Jo-Wilfried Tsonga out of the Australian Open, the French tennis ace said on his personal website yesterday.

“It is with great disappointment that I have to postpone today the start of my season, pulling out of the Australian Open,” explained the 29-year-old, who was pictured wearing a high-tech support on his right hand and arm.

“I’m still suffering from a forearm inflammation and that prevents me from being at full capacity.” 

The popular world No12 has been struggling with the arm injury for several weeks. He said he would be undergoing treatment for the condition over the next three weeks.