Former US Open champion Juan Martin Del Potro has issued a warning to World No. 1 Roger Federer, stating that he is a much improved player than before and he can challenge the Swiss star for the biggest prizes in the sport.
Del Potro, who is on a nine-match winning streak just like Federer is on a 16-match undefeated run, has risen to No. 8 in the official ATP rankings after having accomplished a string of consistent results in 2017. The lanky Argentine’s impressive performance last year also included an upset victory over Federer in the quarterfinals of the US Open.
Del Potro will clash with former Wimbledon runner-up Milos Raonic for a place in Sunday’s Indian Wells final, whereas Federer will square-off against Borna Coric of Croatia in the other semifinal on Saturday.
The Tower of Tandil claimed he was focused on his semifinal contest against Raonic but acknowledged that he would love to face Federer in the tournament finale.
“I’m not thinking about that,” Del Potro said.
“I just want to keep winning.
“It’s good to me feel with this confidence when I getting to the court and I play well, but I’m going step by step.
“Of course any chance to play with Roger would be great.”
“Well, I know I’m playing a different game than few years ago,” he added.
“I mix it up with the slice, dropshots. I try to come to the net more often than years ago.
“And I think I like the way I’m playing now. It’s more funny to watch, also.
“And I improved on other things in my game as my volleys and slices, and I think I have a complete game at the moment, but I know how to do to improve that.”
