Queen's 2017: Injury-cursed Juan Martin del Potro out of Aegon Championships

London: Argentina`s former US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro faces a battle to be fit for Wimbledon after witdrawing from the key build-up tournament at Queen`s because of a groin injury.

The 28-year-old, who has been cursed by injuries throughout his career, said he had withdrawn from next week`s tournament in London on medical advice.

The injury flared up at the French Open -- where he was knocked out by Andy Murray in the third round -- and forced him to sit out the ATP tournament in s`Hertogenbosch this week.

"Following my doctor`s advice, I won`t be able to play Queen`s this year since I am still recovering from my injury," tweeted Del Potro, who reached the semi-finals at Wimbledon in 2013.

"Queen`s is one of my favourite tournaments and I am really sorry for my fans there, I`ve got great memories of the Queen`s Club.

"Patience. I will definitely see you in 2018," he added.

Del Potro`s withdrawal follows that of French Open champion Rafael Nadal, who wants to rest before Wimbledon gets underway on July 3.