Del Potro admits he nearly quit tennis after multiple wrist surgeries

Juan Martin del Potro wasn't certain he'd be playing professional matches again, let alone playing into the second week at a Grand Slam.

After undergoing his third left wrist surgery in the span of about 18 months last year, Del Potro had to take stock of his future.

"After my third surgery, I was really close to quit(ting) tennis," he told fans in Louis Armstrong Stadium on Saturday, after beating David Ferrer in the third round of the US Open. "But I didn't. I never gave up and now I'm playing tennis again."

Del Potro, who won the tournament in 2009, has received a rousing reception at every match he's played in his return to New York. He said the support has given him a huge lift as he tears through his part of the draw.

"I'm home," he said. "This crowd, this stadium, this atmosphere ... it's incredible. You make me so happy every day. ...

"I don't mind if I win or if I lose, I just want to play tennis again after too many problems."

The beloved Argentine has made it this far despite a badly compromised backhand, thanks primarily to his world-class forehand. He still isn't quite sure it's up to his 2009 standards, though.

"If I can hit my forehand as I did in 2009, it will be fun for everyone," he said. When he was asked how his present-day game stacks up to his Slam-winning prime, he answered: "I don't know, but I'm winning. That's important."

It is, indeed. With a fourth-round match against eighth-seeded Dominic Thiem looming, Del Potro knows things are about to get a lot more difficult. But he's already locked up the tournament's sentimental championship, and he's not putting too much pressure on himself. At this point, given how close he once was to being out of the game entirely, everything's gravy.

"I'm looking forward to go far, to play the last matches in the tournament," he said. "But I'm going step by step, and really enjoying these matches."