Juan Martin Del Potro has set up a mouth-watering second round meeting with Roger Federer after defeating compatriot Guido Pella 6-0, 7-6(4), in the opening round of the Miami Masters.
The former US Open champion is currently playing in only his third tournament since returning to the tour after undergoing wrist surgery last year. Despite his lack of match play, the Argentine got off to the perfect start against Guido in Miami as he took the first set after just 29 minutes of play. In his one-sided opening set, Del Potro produced 2 aces, seven winners and converted 3/8 break points.
The second set was a sharp contrast to the first with Pella finally producing the kind of play that many expected from him. With both men confidently holding their service games, Del Potro got his first match point opportunity whilst leading 5-4. As Guido served to stay in the match, a loose forehand from the world No.39 sailed outside the court. Del Potro failed to capitalize after hitting a forehand beyond the baseline, resulting in his rival eventually leveling the set. Taking proceedings into a tiebreaker, he was handed two further match point chances after another erratic forehand shot from Pella. Del Potro finally sealed the win after a backhand shot from his opponent crashed into the net.
Puño apretado y grito de victoria! Así ganaba el ultimo punto @delpotrojuan ! #QuePlacerVerteOtraVez pic.twitter.com/xALsIhPYPD
— HV Delpo (@HinchadaDelpo) 24 March 2016
The triumph has given Del Potro his second win over a top-40 player this year. There are still signs of rustiness for the beloved Argentine, who produced 22 unforced errors compared to 16 winners on Wednesday. After squandering a match point at 5-4, the Argentine admitted that he was relieved that he was able to close out the match.
“It was a tough moment for me but I got through and that’s all that matters.” The 27-year-old said.
Next up for Del Potro with be a second round clash with Federer in what will be their 21st meeting on the tour. The upcoming encounter will be the first competitive match that Federer has played since the Australian Open. The world No.3 has been absent from the tour due to a knee injury. In February the 34-year-old underwent arthroscopic surgery to treat a torn meniscus in his knee.
Looking ahead to his first match against the Swiss player since the 2013 ATP World Tour Finals, the Argentine is hoping that he can produce a good display.
“I’m going to try to play my best tennis against Roger,” Del Potro said.
“We’re both coming off injuries, but I think it will be a really good match.”
Del Potro currently trails the head-to-head 5-15 against the 17-time Grand Slam champion. His last victory against Federer was at the 2013 Basel Open. The biggest achievement for the Argentine in his rivalry with Federer occurred in 2009. At the age of 20, he stunned Federer in a five-set epic to win the 2009 US Open.
Highlights of the last match between Juan Martin Del Potro and Roger Federer (2013 ATP Finals)
