Following a nine-month absence from professional competition due to a wrist injury, Juan Martin del Potro announced that he would return to professional competition at the Brisbane International in January.

Del Potro, who is currently ranked No. 138 but will use a protected ranking of 7 in 2015, is continuing his training both on and off the court in Argentina.

“To have eight Grand Slam champions, five of the world’s top 11 men – as well as Juan Martin del Potro with an injury protected ranking of No.7 – and four of the top 10 women commit to Brisbane is a fantastic result, and certainly highlights the players’ regard for the tournament,” said tournament director Cameron Pearson.

The Argentine, who currently sits at No. 138 in the rankings, has not played a match since February. He managed to win the Apia international in Sydney at the start of the season, then struggled from then on and eventually opted for surgery after failed bids in Rotterdam and Dubai.

Del Potro has since recovered and begun his pre-season training. The former Grand Slam champion keeps his fans up-to-date with constant Facebook posts.

The tournament begins at the Queensland Tennis Centre on Sunday 4 January.