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The Return of Del Potro and Tsonga

Mar 28th 2015

Spring marks the return of the ATP World tour to South Florida. This season, it also marks the return of two former top-five players back to the sport. Juan Martin Del Potro and Jo-Wilfred Tsonga both came back from time off due to injuries at the Miami Masters.

It had been over a year since Del Potro was a regular on the tour prior to meeting Vasek Pospisil on Thursday. The Argentine attempted a premature return in January at Sydney but pain resurfaced forcing him back to the sidelines. And though he failed to defeat Pospisil in a second round match at the Key Biscayne venue, it was a victory for fans who had been anticipating a return by the former U. S. Open Champion. The Canadian advanced behind a 6-4, 7-6 result.

Recently, the powerful Del Potro has dealt with his share of adversity, plagued with recurring wrist injuries that first surfaced in 2010. Just a few short months after his Flushing Meadows title in 2009, Del Potro began to struggle with a right wrist injury as he prepared for the Australian Open. It would cost him nine months on tour after surgery and rehabilitation. In 2014, Del Potro suffered a left arm injury that occurred in Dubai, and subsequently forced season-ending surgery.

The towering Del Potro demonstrated the skill and power to become an elite player when he earned his U. S. Open title. And there was every indication that his name may eventually be included among the greats such as Federer, Nadal, Djokovic and Murray which underscores the frustrating road since. However, on Thursday despite obvious rust from the 26-year old, fans saw glimpses of the player who defeated Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer back-to-back, to earn his lone Grand Slam title over 5 years ago.

Despite the outcome, Del Potro was happy to play once more, “I don't feel frustrated, I have to take the positive things on my comeback. It doesn't matter - the score for now” he said. Now, ranked world no. 616, Del Potro will look to maintain his health and work towards the level he once knew. While it may be a daunting journey, he will do so while still in his prime.

Meanwhile, rain delayed the return of Tsonga to the ATP World Tour. Having last competed in Davis Cup play last November, the Frenchman finally took the court against American Tim Smyzcek on Saturday. Much like Del Potro, he showed signs of rust but won in his return, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3.

The 29-year old struggled with an arm injury during the Davis Cup finals of 2014 against Switzerland and was forced to miss time following. He had hoped to enter the field in Melbourne but withdrew from the first Grand Slam of this season. Now, healthy and slimmed-down, the two-time Wimbledon semifinalist hopes to launch himself back to the top of the game after a three month absence.

A fan favorite and one of the more likeable players in the locker room, Tsonga brings back his personable demeanor in his return and hopes to compete for the elite titles on the men’s tour, “I hope my best tennis will come this year” he said prior to the tournament.

During his time away from competition, Tsonga molded himself into better shape in hopes of building durability needed to advance deep into tournaments, particularly best-of-five major events. And despite nearing his 30th birthday, he has no plans to yield from competing at a high level. Tsonga recently stated to atpworldtour.com, “When I see players like Ferrer and Federer and others, they are able to play really good tennis.”

As spring sets in throughout the United States, the rebirth of tennis for two popular champions has begun in Miami. And much to the thrill of fans there and throughout the world, Juan Martin Del Potro and Jo-Wilfred Tsonga are competing once again. And certainly, the sport of tennis is better with both wielding rackets on tour again.