Once again Juan Martin del Potro is on course for a blockbuster encounter during the early stages of a tournament.
This time it is at the Miami Open, where the Argentine could play the formidable Roger Federer in the third round. The encounter will only occur if both players triumph in their second round matches. Del Potro will face either Robin Haase or Elias Ymer. Meanwhile, Federer starts his campaign against America’s Francis Tiafoe.
Returning to the tour last year after a serious wrist injury, del Potro has risen over 500 places in the rankings. Still, it has failed to protect him from facing big stars in the early rounds of tournaments. The World No.34 has failed to reach the quarter-finals at his two most recent tournaments, succumbing to world No.2 Novak Djokovic. Then at his first tournament of the year (Delray Beach) he went out in the semifinals to Milos Raonic. It is safe to say the luck of the draw is not on del Potro’s side, but it is failing to spoil his spirit.
“Even in the draws I’m playing well. I’m winning a few matches every tournament and my game is getting better after every week.” He told Sky Sports.
“Of course it is always an honour to play with the top guys of this sport, but I would like to play them in the finals and not in the second, third rounds.”
Delpo’s draws since coming back
Berdych IW R2
Fed Miami R2
Thiem Madrid R1
Stan Wimby R2
Djoko Rio R1
Djoko Acapulco R2 & IW R3
Fed Miami R3— José Morgado (@josemorgado) 20 March 2017
Peaking at 4th in the world back in 2010, the 28-year-old knows what it takes for him to rise back to the top. Last year he illustrated his top potential with a series of high profile wins over Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Stan Wawrinka, Grigor Dimitrov and Dominic Thiem. The series of victories once again reminded the world of how much of a threat the Argentine is to the tour, when he is injury free.
Many pundits has tipped del Potro to once again return to the tour. He certainly has the ability with his blistering forehand. Furthermore, the average age of the top players on the tour continues to rise. It appears as if it is written in the stars for the former US Open champion, but he is just grateful to be back playing a sport he loves.
“There is a very long road to get back into the top positions again.” He admitted. “The new generation are playing good and are playing a good level in tournaments.”
“I did well a few years ago and i’m looking forward to be (back) there one day. But if not, I’m just happy to be playing tennis again.”
It is an unsurprising response from a player whose career nearly came to a sad ending due to the severity of his wrist problems. From January 2015 to December 2016, the Argentine could only play a total of seven tournaments.
Fortunately, those woes now seems to be a distant memory. He no longer has to agonise over continuing his career. Instead, he is focusing on potentially playing Federer for the first time since the 2013 ATP Finals.
“It’s always playing against him is a pleasure. He is the best player in the history of tennis,” del Potro said of the 35-year-old.
Wherever Federer plays, he always attracts an army of supportive fans. Few other players have that ability, but gentle giant del Potro does. It has been portrayed as the third round clash of the men’s draw (if it happens) and one the world No.34 will relish.
“If we play here in Miami I will feel the atmosphere because there are many Argentinians, South Americans cheering for me.”
Del Potro rise back to the top is something that isn’t guaranteed, but it is one that many is hoping for.
