Juan Martin del Potro's potential US Open comeback could be "fantastic": Chanda Rubin
Juan Martin del Potro is eyeing a comeback on tour at the 2023 US Open and former tennis player Chanda Rubin expressed her excitement about the same.
Del Potro last played at the 2022 Argentina Open. He lost against compatriot Federico Delbonis in the first round, in what appeared to be a farewell match for the Argentine in front of his home crowd. However, it does not seem so, with the 34-year-old announcing a possible return to the tour if his physical state improves.
"The physical problem and my knee are things I work on every day. I will leave this window open, at least until the US Open as I said," Del Potro said in a recent interview.
During a conversation on the Tennis Channel, former WTA player Rubin stated that del Potro's comeback will be "fantastic" for everyone if it comes to fruition.
"If he can get back healthy close enough, to help where he can produce a really good effort at the US Open, I think that would be fantastic for everybody, for fans and for him as well," she said. "You wanna be able to leave on your terms, that's always the tough part with injuries."
Rubin claimed that del Potro was a "shadow of himself" last year, something that she feels the former World No. 3 will want to set right.
"We saw at this event [2022 Argentina Open], he was kind of a shadow of himself because of the movement and I think that is what makes it tough," Rubin added.
Meanwhile, tennis coach Paul Annacone lamented del Potro's lost time on tour in the same interview, expressing hopes of a "smoother" run this time around for the Argentine.
"This guy has sadly missed and one of the players that unfortunately battled so many injuries in his career. So, let's hope for a smoother run for Mr. Del Potro," stated Annacone.
"He's one of those guys who could've won many more Majors" - Chanda Rubin on Juan Martin del Potro
Chanda Rubin opined that Juan Martin del Potro had the potential to win a lot more Major titles in his career if not for his persistent injury concerns. Rubin also sympathized with del Potro, stating that it would be tough on anyone to endure such a grueling career path as the Argentine's.
"I think it's just so tough when you have that road that del Potro had. He's one of those guys who could've won many more Majors with his game," Rubin stated.
Juan Martin del Potro won his maiden Grand Slam title at the 2009 US Open. He defeated Roger Federer over five sets (3-6, 7-6(5), 4-6, 7-6(4), 6-2) in the final to claim the trophy. He reached one other Grand Slam final -- at the 2018 US Open, where he lost to Novak Djokovic.