Del Potro, who thought about 'giving up,' will return to tour in Delray Beach

Juan Martin del Potro has announced that he will return to the ATP tour in Delray Beach, Florida, the week after next.

The 2009 U.S. Open champion played just two tournaments—in Sydney and Miami—in 2015, and only four tournaments in 2014.

In 2015, del Potro underwent a third procedure on his left wrist. In early fall he returned to training, but it took him a while to feel comfortable with his two-handed backhand.

Now he says he’s ready to go.

“I wanted to share the news, and also the happiness that I feel, knowing that I will play a tennis tournament once again after such a long time,” del Potro said in a video posted on YouTube. “The uncertainty. All the bad moments I had to go through. So many mood swings, really difficult days that make you think about giving up. Still, I am lucky to be surrounded by great people.

"They wouldn't let me fall. They were there in the right moment to support me and help me out during the most difficult moments in my career.”

The 27-year-old is currently ranked No. 1,041 and will receive wild cards. In 2012 and 2013 he won eight tournaments, and he also won a bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics, beating now-world No. 1 Novak Djokovic. Also in 2013, he reached the finals in Indian Wells and Shanghai.

Del Potro said he has yet to decide how many tournaments he will play this year.

“Please be patient, as it’s my first tournament and coming back to the tour is always part of the rehab process,” del Potro said.