Del Potro not to play Davis Cup this year

Argentinean star unhappy with country’s tennis association.

BUENOS AIRES:

Juan Martin del Potro said Monday he will not play in Argentina’s Davis Cup playoff tie in September due to his differences with the Argentine Tennis Association (AAT).

Argentina, who have reached four finals - including three since 2006 - must play off against as yet unknown opponents to retain their world group status having been upset by Italy in the first round in Mar del Plata two weeks ago.

“It’s necessary to make deep changes to correct mistakes that have been repeated for so many years,” said world number five Del Potro, who does not see eye-to-eye with team captain Martin Jaite.

Del Potro also reacted to rumours and erroneous reports after the Italy defeat suggesting he would only play for Argentina under certain conditions.

“I won’t permit my name to be used to justify resignations that will only paper over the cracks,” he said in a letter to the AAT.

“Out of consideration for the people who follow me, who enjoy tennis and know what I’ve done in the Davis (Cup) and Olympic Games... and are a long way from insulting rivals or punishing someone from their country, I won’t play the Davis Cup for the rest of 2014.”

Del Potro, Olympic bronze medal winner at the 2012 London Games, has been unhappy with attitude towards him from some corners of the AAT and media since being made a scapegoat for country’s unexpected defeat in the 2008 final at home to a Spain team missing Rafael Nadal.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 19^th, 2014.

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