Indian Wells champion Juan Martin Del Potro has said that he needs to improve ahead of his third round with Kei Nishikori after the Argentinian defeated Robin Haase 6-4 5-7 6-2 at the Miami Open.
The world number 6, who is looking to win the ‘Sunshine Double’, had a tricky start to his Miami Open campaign as he eventually defeated Dutchman Robin Haase in three sets. Despite the test Del Potro managed to break serve four time as he booked his place in the last 32 after 2 hours and 9 minutes.
However after the match, Del Potro admitted that he needs to play much better if he wants to progress further in this tournament, “It was a terrible match for me even though Robin played well. It was a very difficult first match of the tournament for me,” said the Argentine. “I’m still alive and that’s important. But I need to improve my tennis, my physicality and my mind if I want to go further. My body started to feel tired but I will have some time now to recover.”
The former US Open champion will need to step up his game in the third round as he will take on 26th seed Kei Nishikori in what is set to be a titanic tussle. Nishikori, who is playing his first match since his Acapulco defeat to Denis Shapovalov, had to save five set points in the opening set as he battled past John Millman 7-6(4) 4-6 6-3. Although it was a long contest, Nishikori is happy to get back to winning ways, “It was a terrible match for me even though Robin played well, It was a very difficult first match of the tournament for me. I’m still alive and that’s important. But I need to improve my tennis, my physicality and my mind if I want to go further. My body started to feel tired but I will have some time now to recover.”
The match between Del Potro and Nishikori will be their 8th meeting, with Del Potro leading the head to head 5-2.
