Former US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro faces a race against time to be fit enough for the upcoming Rolex Shanghai Masters.
The world No.4 lost in the final of the China Open on Sunday to Georgia’s Nikoloz Basilashvili. Dropping his serve twice, once in each set. The result means Del Potro’s win-loss record in ATP finals this season now stands at 2-4. Earlier this year, he won titles in Acapulco and Indian Wells. Reflecting on his latest defeat, the Argentine admitted that he was unable to play at his best level due to illness. An issue he has been struggling with in recent days.
“I did everything that I can to be better for the final, it wasn’t enough time to feel 100 percent,” Del Potro told reporters in Beijing.
“As you can see, my game today wasn’t as good as it was in the last matches in the tournament. I had some problem the last three days and it affected a little bit my game.”
If it wasn’t for a stroke of misfortune for another player, Del Potro might have retired from the tournament earlier in the week. The top seed was set to play Fabio Fognini in the semi-finals until the Italian pulled out of their match. Fognini withdrew due to an ankle injury.
“I had some problems in the last three days. I was bad yesterday, too, but Fognini came before me to pull out.” He said.
“I played with these conditions. Nikoloz didn’t miss on the important moments.”
It remains 50/50 as to if Del Potro will be fit in time to play at the upcoming Shanghai Masters. The only Masters tournament taking place during the Asian swing with a prize money pool of more than €7m. He has been handed a tricky draw with a potential second round clash against Richard Gasquet, followed by a trio of dangerous opponents. Nick Kyrgios, Borna Coric and Stan Wawrinka are the potential players he may play in the last 16.
“Hopefully I can feel better for Shanghai.” Del Potro concluded.
Last year the 30-year-old reached the semi-finals in Shanghai before losing to Roger Federer.
