MADRID: Six weeks after playing his last match on the tour, Juan Martin del Potro returned to winning ways at the Madrid Open on Tuesday.
Seeded fourth in this year’s tournament, the Argentine powered his way to a 6-3, 6-3, win over Damir Dzumhur. Who has now suffered six consecutive losses. The performance saw him convert four out of seven break point opportunities and win 69% of the points behind his first serve. Leaving Del Potro satisfied with his start to the 2018 clay season.
“It feels good. I think I played well for my first match on clay courts. We played good points, good rallies. I moved pretty well. I think I’m glad with my level of tonight, so I’m looking forward to keep improving all my game.” Del Potro said after the match.
Del Potro’s career on the clay has been hampered by wrist issues that forced him to not play a tournament on the surface for two years. Those dark days now appear to be over following his start to this season. At the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells he stunned Roger Federer to win his first Masters title. He has also won a title in Acapulco. Moving him two spots away from his ranking high of fourth. A position first achieved back in 2010.
“Physically, it could be the most difficult part of the season for me.” Admitted del Potro. “But I made a good preparation for these tournaments. These tournaments are pretty important in the year. I would like to go far, to play many, many matches on this surface, and keep growing up in the ranking.”
Along with the optimism is also caution. Del Potro continues to do daily exercises on his wrist more than a year after he returned to the tour. Injury has partly resulted in him playing at the French Open only twice since 2012.
“My wrist is responding very well. I have treatments every day, so that my body is ready. I think it’s responding.” He explained.
“Right now I’m calm because I think I’m responding and I’m able to play the tournaments I want to play.”
A two-time semifinalist in Madrid, Del Potro next takes on Dusan Lajovic. Who won his first ever main draw match at the tournament with a straight sets win over Richard Gasquet.
“On clay he’s a very powerful player. He plays a very intelligent game. It’s going to be a tough match, as all of the matches on clay for me.” The Argentine previewed.
Going into this week, Del Potro has won 22 ATP titles. Although only four of those have occurred on the clay.
