Juan Martin Del Potro has withdrawn from the Australian Open.

Former US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro has withdrawn from the Australian Open due to a lingering wrist injury that he was concerned could cause him further damage if he played the season opening grand slam, starting today.

The 26-year-old Argentine played just four tournaments last year after he injured his left wrist and made his comeback last week by reaching the quarter-finals in Sydney but decided it was too risky to play at Melbourne Park.

“I didn’t feel prepared for playing in this big event,” Del Potro told reporters yesterday.

“My first grand slam after one year, five-set matches, is very tough.

“Could be dangerous for my wrist. I think it was a tough decision, but could be a smart decision if I want to stay healthy and play for the whole year.”

The 2009 US Open winner had surgery on his wrist and had been out of the game for 10 months before he made his comeback in Sydney, a tournament he won last year.

He made a strong start to the tournament, reaching the last eight and beating world number 18 Fabio Fognini in the process.

Del Potro said yesterday he has been pleased with his progress but felt he was not quite ready for a return to the ATP Tour.

“It’s been hurting the last couple of days and weeks. Nothing new. Nothing dangerous,” said Del Potro, whose ranking had tumbled 338 before Sydney.

“But I think my wrist is not ready for play in this important tournament.

“It’s tough to say this, but I’m still positive and I want to play tennis as I did last week. That’s why I decided to withdraw.”

Del Potro said he did not have a problem with his serve or hitting forehands but his backhand was causing the pain and he was not able to hit that as well as he liked.

“I couldn’t hit backhands like I want, it’s not helping a lot for my game,” the former world number four added.

“I don’t want to change my style. I don’t want to change my backhand, my technique.

“That’s why I’m taking this decision now because I don’t want to put risk again in my body.

“I saw last week, if I am in good shape, I could be competitive again.

“I’m very excited for that.”