Del Potro skips French Open to focus on grass-court season

PARIS (AP) Juan Martin del Potro will skip the French Open to focus on the grass-court season. The former U.S. Open champion, who dropped to No. 229 in the ATP

PARIS (AP) Juan Martin del Potro will skip the French Open to focus on the grass-court season.

The former U.S. Open champion, who dropped to No. 229 in the ATP rankings while recovering from his third wrist operation, said on Twitter he will not play on the Parisian clay this month.

Del Potro returned to the tour in February after an 11-month layoff, and said he decided the ''the smartest move is to start my preparation for the grass season.''

The Argentine has not played at Roland Garros since 2012, when he lost to Roger Federer in the quarterfinals.