It has been almost twelve years since Juan Martin del Potro took home his only Grand Slam when he won the US Open final against Roger Federer.
The Argentine has since suffered a number of career-threatening injuries.
Four times, the 32-year-old has been forced to take a break that has been more than eight months long.
It has often been about wrists but now it is the right knee, which has meant that he has not played since June 2019. Three previous operations have not given the desired result.
"I have tried therapy without surgery but the pain is still there.
The doctor knows that I want to play tennis again and have the opportunity to participate in the Olympics, so we agree that the operation must take place as soon as possible ", del Potro writes on Instagram before today's operation to be performed in Chicago according to AP.
Considered quitting when the father passed away
Only the injury list would have made most players put the racket on the shelf a long time ago.
Del Potro also considered resigning when his father passed away in January.
"It has been tough since my father passed away.
But at the same time, I feel the strength he is giving me from heaven.
I want to make an effort to get through this painful period.
I do not want to stop trying ", writes del Potro.
Del Potro, now ranked 169th in the world, took bronze in London 2012 and slips in Rio 2016 after losing the final to Andy Murray, another player who had long-term injuries.