LONDON: Argentina's former US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro faces a battle to be fit for Wimbledon after witdrawing from the key build-up tournament at Queen's because of a groin injury.
The 28-year-old, who has been cursed by injuries throughout his career, said he had withdrawn from next week's tournament in London on medical advice.
The injury flared up at the French Open -- where he was knocked out by Andy Murray in the third round -- and forced him to sit out the ATP tournament in s'Hertogenbosch this week.
"Following my doctor's advice, I won't be able to play Queen's this year since I am still recovering from my injury," tweeted Del Potro, who reached the semi-finals at Wimbledon in 2013.
"Queen's is one of my favourite tournaments and I am really sorry for my fans there, I've got great memories of the Queen's Club.
"Patience. I will definitely see you in 2018," he added.
Del Potro's withdrawal follows that of French Open champion Rafael Nadal, who wants to rest before Wimbledon gets underway on July 3.