Andy Murray’s former coach Mark Petchey has warned 20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer about the threat Argentine Juan Martin Del Potro poses to his chances of winning a record breaking sixth Indian Wells title.
Federer, who is yet to lose a match in 2018 after compiling a 12-0 record, is bidding to become the first man to win six titles at the picturesque venue in California. The 36-year-old Basel native currently shares the record with Novak Djokovic, who has also won five trophies at the tournament which is held every year in the Coachella Valley.
Last month, Federer became the oldest No. 1 in tennis history after winning his 97th career title in Rotterdam, dislodging arch-rival Rafael Nadal from the top of the men’s rankings.
Petchey told Sky sports: “If Roger puts his best tennis out there, he is the best player.
“He is playing with such utter freedom right now. He has got nothing to prove in terms of winning titles.
However, the Briton issued a warning to the Swiss maestro: “Del Potro has beaten Roger in the final of a major and is clearly playing with confidence.
“He is back in the top 10 which is always crucial when you are taking on somebody like Roger.
“The great thing about Del Potro right now is his backhand – because of all the wrist injuries that he has had.
“We have seen significant tactical changes in terms of hitting over it and also using the slice.
“His backhand now is arguably more versatile than it was when he won the US Open.
“It is probably helping him at this stage of his career to become a better player.
“Mentally, he has the belief that when he plays the big players he is capable of beating them.
“There are not many out there that have been allowed that particular strength. That is a crucial element.”