Juan Martin del Potro has ended his two-year wait to play in the final of an ATP tournament after defeating second seed Grigor Dimitrov 6-4, 7-5, at the Stockholm Open.
The former US Open champion, who returned to the tour in February after a lengthy absence due to a wrist injury, overcame the world No.18 in what was a game of cat and mouse. In both sets the Argentine grabbed the first advantage by breaking Dimitrov before he battled back to level the proceedings. Nevertheless, it was del Potro who came out on top as a late break towards the end of the second set placed him on course to seal the win in straight sets.
“It was a really nice match, I think we both played some good tennis.” Said del Potro during his on court interview.
“ It was really fun, I think I did a good job today and I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”
Starting from outside of the world’s top 1000 at the start of the year due to his injury issues, Saturday’s win over Dimitrov is set to return Del Potro back into the world’s top 50 for the first time since October 2014. The successful comeback in 2016 by the Argentine has exceeding his expectations.
“I didn’t expect to win these kind of matches this year and I’m so glad to be playing and keep playing better every day.” He said.
A win in Sunday’s final will see him rise to 42nd in the world and reclaim the Argentine No.1 position. Standing in del Potro’s way is Jack Sock, who outlasted Alexander Zverev 6-7(4), 7-6,4), 6-4 in a Marathon semi-final encounter.
In what was a tense match with both players having disagreements with the officials, Sock managed to grab a crucial break in the decider set thanks to a poor game from Zverev. A double fault from the German elevated Sock to a 3-1 lead and prompted Zverev to destroy his racket.
#Zverev pic.twitter.com/bZcEE5iS2P
— doublefault28 (@doublefault28) 22 October 2016
Despite opening a 4-1 lead, Sock was still unable to tame his rival as Zverev battled back to level 4-4. Nevertheless, a speedy backhand return down the line was enough for the American to break once more and this time clinch the victory after two hours and 50 minutes of play.
“I thought it was a very good match, very good tennis.” Said Sock. “I was fortunate enough to get a late break in the third (set).”
Sunday’s final will be the second meeting between Sock and Del Potro after the American triumphed in two sets at the Madrid Masters earlier this year. World No.23 Sock has praised the performance of his upcoming rival in the tournament so far.
“He’s a very good tennis player.” Sock said about del Potro. “He has been playing good this week (in Stockholm). He hasn’t had the easiest of opponents and have taken care of business pretty well. He’s serving well and hitting big forehands.”
Regardless of the outcome of the final, del Potro will leave Sweden full of confidence after reaching his first ATP final without dropping a set since the 2014 Sydney International (not counting the Olympic Games).
“If I win tomorrow it would be great, if not, I will still be very happy.” Del Potro about tomorrows final. #delpotro #ifsthlmopen pic.twitter.com/J9df6mEBlV
— Alex (@tennisguru100) 22 October 2016
