Del Potro to miss defence of US Open title

US Open champion Juan Martin Del Potro has admitted he won't return to action until September - and will miss the defence of his title at Flushing Meadow.

NO DEFENCE: Juan Martin Del Potro will miss the chance to retain his US Open at Flushing Meadow (Getty Images)

World number five Del Potro underwent surgery earlier this month and is keen not to rush his comeback, which could now be delayed until November's Masters 1000 tournament in Paris.

Meanwhile, former British number one Tim Henman has backed Andy Murray to break his Grand Slam duck at Wimbledon later this summer.

Murray's form has been mixed since he was beaten in the final of the Australian Open but Henman believes he will be the one to beat at the All England Club, despite the presence of the always inspired Roger Federer and a resurgent Rafael Nadal.

"I really think Wimbledon could be his," said Henman.

"Andy has played great last year getting through to his first semi and he was obviously very disappointed to lose to Andy Roddick. 

"All credit to Roddick for the match that he played because it was phenomenal.

"But I think Murray's matured again. He  has improved, his game is better, he's got 12 months more experience and I think he's got every chance of win."

Henman will make his playing comeback at the AEGON Masters at London's Royal Albert Hall later this year - and he is eyeing a clash with Goran Ivanisevic, who famously beat him in an epic Wimbledon semi-final in 2001.

"I would love to play Goran again," said Henman.

"Our match from 2001 in the semis of Wimbledon was such a unique match and such a special match because it was of such huge importance to both of us. 

"To play over three days in the semis of a Grand Slam is very, very rare and there were so many swings and roundabouts. 

"If there's one match that people want to talk about with me it's probably that match and I think other people have a far bigger issue about it than I do. 

"People think I should hold this big grudge against Goran but he was always a great mate of mine on the Tour and I've seen him hundreds of times since then.

"So I'll look forward to playing him again and hopefully beating him this time."

 

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