
Starting his new season at the ASB Classic in New Zealand, Juan Martin del Potro is just thankful that he is once again able to play on the tour.
Just over two years ago, the Argentine was contemplating retirement after missing months of tennis due to a serious wrist injury. It was a dark time for del Potro, but he refused to give up on his dream. The determination of the former US Open champion is one thing that makes him one of the most popular figures on the men’s tour, along with his ‘nice guy’ attitude.
Del Potro currently lies 12th in the ATP Emirates rankings. Last year he successfully defended his title at the Stockholm Open and reached the semifinals of the US Open during what he describes as his ‘new career.’
“My game now, I’m playing the slices, I’m playing a different game to a few years ago,” he told reporters on Monday.
As he closes in on returning back into the top 10 for the first time since 2014, Del Potro continues to undergo extensive treatment on his body to avoid another lengthy hiatus. For him, the treatment isn’t a precautionary measure. It is mandatory to keep him playing.
“I have treatment for two to three hours a day every time. That’s what I have to do if I want to keep playing tennis.” Del Potro explained.
“But I’m happy with that and I’m dealing with all these treatments. I still want to improve.
“I have a new career after all my problems,” he added.
“I’m enjoying my tennis even more than years ago, but I still have goals to reach and I’m working for that.”
Final para el doble turno de entrenamiento de @delpotrojuan con música de 🚂 pic.twitter.com/bO5fDI7g9s
— Jorge Viale (@jorgeviale) 28 December 2017
Australian Open goals
One of the goals on the mind of the 29-year-old is more success in the grand slams. He is one of only three players outside of the ‘Big Four’ to win a major title since 2009. A two-time quarter-finalist at the Australian Open, del Potro is quietly relishing his chances in Melbourne following the series of high profile withdrawals. Andy Murray and Kei Nishikori have both withdrawn. Meanwhile Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Stan Wawrinka are yet to play a tour match this season.
Del Potro’s confidence in the majors received a boost during last year’s US Open. In the last eight he defeated Roger Federer to reach his first grand slam semifinal for four years. His run was ended by eventual champion Nadal.
“I was close last year in the US Open, beating Roger [Federer] and then Rafa [Nadal] had a great tournament.” He recounted.
“But you never know… if my body feels strong enough to play with these guys, I will have a chance to compete at that level.
“The most exciting part of my life is trying to win another big event.”
Seeded second in this week’s ASB Classic, Del potro could climb back inside the top 10 if he goes deep in the draw. It is a remarkable situation for a player that has undergone three wrist surgeries and played only six tournaments between January 2014 – December 2015. Whilst the milestone is within reach, the Argentine remains grateful about where he is ranked now.
“I can’t believe my ranking now,” the world No.12 said.
“But I’m not playing for a number, I don’t care if I’m top 10 or top 30.
“I would like to play this tournament and enjoy the atmosphere with the fans.”
Del Potro, who has a first round bye, will take on rising star Denis Shapovalov or Brazil’s Rogério Dutra Silva in his first match.
Day 1️⃣ for Delpo in Auckland after a long ✈️
✅ One-hour indoor 🎾 practice (🌧) in the morning.
✅ Afternoon gym session.
🏃🏽♂️
— Jorge Viale (@jorgeviale) 5 January 2018