Del Potro eyes Tokyo 2021 for another comeback

Juan Martin del Potro hasn't played a match since the summer of 2019 when he went down at Queen's Club with a right knee cap injury. He recently told ESPN that he's still down, but not out.

The 32-year-old has been plagued by injuries for most of his career, first to both of his wrists (totaling four surgeries) and then to his knee. Since turning pro in 2005, it marks his fourth lengthy injury layoff of eight-plus months (June 2019-present, right knee; March 2015-February 2016, left wrist; February 2014-January 2015, left wrist; and January-September 2010, right wrist).

He's had three surgeries on his right knee, the most recent in August. For over a year, he's been sharing rebab footage as well as updates on follow-up procedures.

Despite all of the setbacks, the 2009 US Open champion is still eying a comeback. His sights are set on competing in Tokyo for the rescheduled 2021 Olympics. Though the pandemic has been destructive in more ways than anyone can count, this particular rescheduling has boded well for Del Potro's chances of playing.

But, the former world No. 3 is not willing to call Tokyo a limit, just a goal, as his plan is to retire on his own terms.

“Now I have set the Olympic Games as my goal," he said. "And if it doesn’t happen I will continue to lie to myself for the love of tennis as I want to retire inside a court.”

Del Potro has won two medals in his career, bronze in London in 2012 and silver in Rio in 2016.

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