Less than a week after defeating a world No.1 player to claim his first ever Masters 1000 title, Juan Martin del Potro has vowed not to get ahead of himself.
At the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, the Argentine stunned Roger Federer in three sets to claim his biggest title since winning the 2009 US Open. When he coincidentally also defeated the Swiss No.1 in the final. The triumph has declared Del Potro’s return to the top of the men’s game after what has been a turbulent past few years. He once considered retiring from the sport after undergoing multiple wrist surgeries before deciding to stage a comeback in 2016.
“To me, beating Roger in another final, having a positive record against him in the finals, is good. And also to get my first title playing a 1000 Masters in Indian Wells, which is a place I like to play, that makes me feel special.” Del Potro told reporters in Miami on Wednesday.
Now on a 10-match streak going into the Miami Masters, the 29-year-old is playing down his chances of getting a third consecutive title after Acapulco and Indian Wells. Although given that three of the illustrious ‘big four’ are either injured or recovering from injury, the door is opening for Del Potro in the big events. Even though he insists that grand slam glory is the last thing on his mind.
“I’m not thinking too much about the slams,” he stated.
“I’m just enjoying the moment. I know what I have been through to get this time and this place and this ranking.
“I am still calm, you know. I came here to play another tournament. It will be my fourth tournament in a row. I’m tired. And mentally and physically it’s not easy to deal with all of these emotions.”
In a career that has been marred by injury, it is unsurprising that the focus of the world No.6 remains on preserving his health. Hinting that he will be carefully planning his clay season. Del Potro has only been able to play at the French Open twice since 2012.
“I will see what tournament I play on clay, because my body feels that surface, and I want to stay healthy during the whole season.” Del Potro explained about playing on the clay.
“That’s my biggest goal. Then I will see if can still surprise myself and see what can I do.”
The ATP rankings are another aspect that is not on the mind of the Argentine. Despite the fact he is only one place away from cracking the top five for the first time since February 2014. His best ranking was fourth in 2010.
“I always say the ranking number doesn’t change or doesn’t mean too much to me.” He said.
“I was No.1000 a few years ago, and now I’m No. 6.
“I have good chances to keep growing, growing up, but I’m not thinking about that.”
Seeded fifth in the Miami draw, Del Potro will take on Robin Haase in his first match. A player who he has dropped only one set against in their four previous meetings on the tour.
