5th seed Juan Martin Del Potro marched into the quarterfinals of the French Open after a straight forward 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 victory over John Isner of the United States on Monday. The match had the look of a potential blockbuster, but the World No. 6 produced a rock solid display of power hitting from the baseline against a challenger, who seemed uninspired to win in three easy sets.
Both players began the match on a confident note, firing one big serve after the other, holding their respective serves with the minimum of fuss in the initial six games of the set. However, it was the Argentine, who made the breakthrough in game No. 7.
The former US Open champion took advantage of a mini lull from Isner to bring up two break points. Isner saved one of them, but then hit a forehand long. Del Potro eventually went on to win the first set 6-4 against Isner as the American couldn’t produce anything of significance except his powerful serves.
The second set proved to be the mirror image of the first. The pair motored along nicely on serve till Del Potro decided to up the ante and got the desired results. He broke to 15 to put himself firmly in control of the match. The 5th seed consolidated the break with a tough service hold after being taken to deuce by his opponent. Minutes later, Del Potro sealed a two-set lead with a picturesque volley at the net.
Del Potro broke Isner in the third game of the third set to lead 2-1. The Tower of Tandil produced a stunning crosscourt pass that easily beat Isner at the net and saw him break to love. A determined Del Potro continued to protect his one break advantage as he kept on holding his serve with little resistance coming from the other side of the net.
Isner saved match point in the ninth game, but couldn’t stop his rival from sealing a straight sets win in an hour and 59 minutes. The man from the United States gave it his all in the 3rd set, but just didn’t have enough in the tank to halt Del Potro’s progress to the last 8 stage of the tournament.
