NEW YORK, (Reuters) – U.S. Open champion Juan Martin  Del Potro could defend his title next month after making a  quicker than expected recovery from injury.

The Argentine underwent wrist surgery earlier this year but  may make a surprise return at Flushing Meadow.

The U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) said on Thursday that Del  Petro had been included on the list of entrants for the event  which starts on Aug. 30. “Juan Martin Del Potro … is expected to return to grand  slam competition after missing the French Open and Wimbledon  earlier this year,” the USTA said in a statement. The Argentine beat Roger Federer in five sets in 2009 to  capture his first grand slam title but this season has been  ruined by his wrist problem.

Del Potro played in the Australian Open but pulled out of a  series of tournaments after that and announced in May he was  undergoing surgery and would almost certainly miss the three  remaining grand slams.