Juan Martin del Potro has once again demonstrated that he is the man in form on the ATP Tour with a marathon win over Canada’s Milos Raonic at the Miami Open.
The former US Open champion battled back from behind to edge out his rival 5-7, 7-6(1), 7-6(3), in a gut-busting encounter that was eight minutes short of the three-hour mark. Cheered on by an army of vocal fans, the Argentine bounced back from a break down twice during the deciding set. Outlasting a total of 18 aces that was fired from Raonic. During the tight match, where Del Potro won just five more points than his opponent, he produced 28 winners to 19 unforced errors.
“It was great tennis and a battle,” said Del Potro. “We both enjoyed the game and the crowd were amazing, making for an incredible atmosphere on court. I’m so glad to still be alive and reach the semi-finals.”
Del Potro is now on a 15-match winning streak after claiming back-to-back titles in Acapulco and Indian Wells. He is just two wins away from achieving the Masters milestone of the sunshine double. Only a handful of players has managed to claim both Indian Wells and Miami titles within the same season. Including Pete Sampras, Marcelo Rios, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.
“I love to play in matches like this,” del Potro said via AFP News.
“We both played well, the difference was perhaps that I just played better in the tie-breaks.
“I am tired now, but at least I have a day off to prepare for Friday. It’s going to be important that I recover physically and mentally because that was a real battle.”
With a total of 20 wins so far this year, Del Potro has achieved his best ever start to the season at the age of 29. He will be hoping to continue his winning streak when he faces John Isner on Friday. The American had a somewhat different quarter-final match, dropping just five games in his 6-1, 6-4, win over Hyeon Chung.
Despite Isner’s one-sided win, he is under no illusion of the tough task he faces against Del Potro. He trails their head-to-head 3-9, but won their most recent encounter at the 2017 Paris Masters.
“Del Potro is playing the best tennis in the world right now. I don’t think that can be argued.” Said Isner.
“He won Acapulco and he won Indian Wells, and he’s still going here. Physically he’s probably as fit as he’s ever been. Seems like he’s hitting his backhand with as much
vigor as he ever has. He’s got everything else, as well. So he’s in a good space right now, for sure.”
Should Del Potro win the Miami title, he will rise to third in the ATP Emirates rankings. Cracking the top three for the first time in his career.
