( CNN ) -- Juan Martin del Potro is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after the world No . 8 announced he will undergo wrist surgery on Monday . The 2009 U.S. Open champion , who needs surgery to fix a problem with his left wrist , had a similar operation on his right wrist in 2010 and was subsequently out for eight months . The Argentine first felt pain in his left wrist in August 2012 and he took painkillers to deal with the injury at last year 's U.S. Open . But the problem resurfaced at January 's Australian Open , the first grand slam of 2014 , where Del Potro lost in the second round to Roberto Bautista Agut . `` I want to tell you that after a period of medical treatment , in which we tried to be competitive on a tennis court , and following new examinations done today , my doctor Richard Berger , decided that I should have surgery to fix the problem on my left wrist , '' the 25-year-old said on his official Facebook page . `` Obviously , it 's not the easiest choice or the happiest moment of my career . I experienced a similar situation and I know how hard it is to be out of the tour , the desire to return , the endless weeks of recovery and how difficult it is to start fighting for the top spots in the rankings again . '' Since returning from his right wrist injury in 2010 , Del Potro has claimed 11 titles -- most recently defeating Bernard Tomic to win January 's Sydney International event . `` As always , thank you to those who express their support in any part of Argentina and the world , during tournaments , on the streets or social networks , '' added Del Potro . `` The strength you send me and my desire will be crucial during my recovery . '' The highlight of Del Potro 's career so far came at Flushing Meadows five years ago , when he beat Roger Federer in five sets to win his first grand slam title .
Juan Martin del Potro to undergo wrist surgery . Argentine needs operation on left wrist . Del Potro has previously had surgery on his right wrist . Rafael Nadal is out of the Australian Open with a back injury and will not play in Madrid.