Wednesday 15 October 2014 17:42, UK
Juan Martin del Potro has decided to draw a line under a season ruined by a left wrist injury by announcing that he would not play again this year.
The 2009 US Open champion - who missed most of the 2010 season with a right wrist injury - said he preferred to prepare himself for fresh start next year than try and play in the final few European indoor tournaments.
"Despite good progress through training and physiotherapy, I have decided not to play in the season ending tournaments in Europe," the 26-year-old del Potro wrote on his Facebook page.
"I'm going to use the time to get ready to make a difference next season. I'm not 100 per cent ready yet and need to be patient."
The world No 29, who has not played an ATP World Tour singles event since February, added, to his fans: "Your constant support and good wishes and care have been and will continue to be of the utmost importance along this journey.
"I am deeply thankful and I believe that next year I'll be able to repay you, doing what I do best.''
The Argentinian battled pain in his left wrist that first flared up at the Australian Open in January.
He retired from his opening match in Dubai in February and then withdrew from tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami, undergoing surgery in late March and has not played since.
