Fans at the US Open in Flushing Meadows were hoping for drama and they were not disappointed by their beloved Juan Martin del Potro.
During a three-and-a-half hour blockbuster, the Argentine battled through illness and recovered from a point away from defeat to secure one of the most memorable victories of his entire career. Coming back from two sets down to defeat Dominic Thiem 1-6, 2-6, 6-1, 7-6(1), 6-4. An accomplishment he has only managed to achieve once before in the Davis Cup.
The match featured enough storylines to make a short movie. Former champion Del Potro, who has endured a career troubled by injury, was a fraction of his best due to illness. Yet, still managed to fight in the match with the help of medication. Meanwhile, Thiem was bidding to reach the last eight in New York for the first time a day after his 24th birthday. All of this occurred on a packed Grandstand stadium, described by some as the court’s ‘finest hour.’
The party-like atmosphere was initially halted at the start due to what was a cruel twist of fate. 12 months ago the two also clashed at the US Open with Thiem retiring with a knee injury. This time round it was the Argentine struggling with illness.
“I was sick the last two days and I came here trying to play as well as I could.” Said del Potro. “Then when I saw all of this crowd cheering for me. I was trying to feel better every game and I think I fought because of you guys.”
Three games into the match, the former US Open champion held a lengthy discussion with the umpire. After five games, a doctor and trainer came on court to treat Del Potro. Giving him a pill with the hope it would make him feel better.
It was an uncomfortable situation for the army of Del Potro fans in the crowd and a difficult scenario for six-seeded Thiem. Nevertheless, the Austrian kept to his game plan, hitting a series of electrifying shots from his forehand and backhand side. After 37 minutes, Thiem sealed the 6-1 lead with the help of 15 unforced errors from his rival.
Billed as one of the matches of day 8 of the championships, glimmers of high quality exchanges between the two began to emerge. Resurrecting the excitement of the crowd. After 15 games, Thiem was on course to cruise into his maiden quarterfinals at Flushing Meadows with a two sets lead, before Del Potro finally hit back in dramatic fashion.
The nerves of the Austrian played into the hands of Del Potro, who utilized his speedy forehand to his advantage. Breaking at the start of the third set to prompt a huge roar from the crowd. The unlikely comeback was on. Although Del Potro continued to struggle with his illness, sitting on one of that chairs after two games. Coincidentally, it was one in front of former player Mardy Fish.
Here’s Delpo losing 16 26 20 in R16 of the GS he loves, sitting in umpire chair & saying “hi” to Mardy Fish. How can you not love this guy? pic.twitter.com/iJVATThoRg
— Gaspar Ribeiro Lança (@gasparlanca) 4 September 2017
Chants of ‘ole, ole, ole’ erupted around the court as the momentum in the match continued to turn in favour of the South American player. Thiem’s focus evaded him throughout the third set as Del Potro secured the double break with ease to revive his chances in the match.
The match everybody hoped to see was finally underway with both players illustrating their best tennis. Thiem moved agonizingly close to a place in the last eight, but it was the stubbornness of his rival that prevailed.
A four game winning streak in the fourth set moved Thiem to four points away from victory. Still, he was unable to seize the moment as a relentless Del Potro to claw his was back to 5-5. Resulting in a carnival-like atmosphere. Two games later, Thiem was within touching distance of the finish line. An overcook Del Potro forehand elevated him to two match points. Both of which were saved by aces from the Argentine.
Thiem’s inability to close the proceedings out haunted him. Allowing Del Potro to force the match into a decider following an emphatic tiebreaker. Concluded with a stunning forehand cross court winner, followed by a fist pump.
Del Potro’s fighting spirit was one that could have inspired a small army. After almost three hours of play, he finally moved ahead in the match for the first time. To the delight of the animated crowd, both men battled until the very last point. Half way through the decider at 3-3, Del Potro had three consecutive break points. Only to be denied by some outstanding shot-making of his rival. Glory was, however sealed four games later, following a Thiem double fault. An undeserving way to end a titanic clash.
“I would like to have the trophy after this match.” Del Potro joked. “I’m so happy to go through, playing in this great match. The atmosphere was great and I enjoyed it a lot.”
Del Potro is now on course for a quarter-final showdown with Roger Federer.
