Argentina’s Juan Martin del Potro is hoping that he can end his stellar season on a high as he heads into the Asian swing of the tour.
The former US Open champion is currently on course to finish 2018 inside the world’s top four for the first time in his career at the age of 30. Earlier this year he won the Acapulco Open followed by his maiden Masters title at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells. More recently, he finished runner-up to Novak Djokovic in Flushing Meadows after reaching his first grand slam final since 2009.
“I’m still having chances to finish the year at my highest ranking ever.” Del Potro told reporters in China on Sunday.
“It’s an amazing year for me. I also want to keep going because I like to surprise myself. I’m excited for that.”
Del Potro’s next test will be at the China Open this week. An ATP 500 tournament that will feature seven players ranked in the world’s top 20. The Argentine is the top seed in the draw and will be bidding to win his first Asian title since the 2013 Japan Open. Although Del Potro is keeping grounded about his chances of triumphing at the tournament.
“I don’t feel any extra pressure by being the top seed.” He said. “I know how difficult is this tournament to win because the draw has big players, and only one could be the champion next Sunday.
“I will try to play my best tennis, see how far can I do, then we will see what happens.”
The 30-year-old will be hoping to improve on his performance at the tournament 12 months ago. In 2017 he defeated Pablo Cuevas in the first round before falling to Grigor Dimitrov in the second.
Beyond Beijing, Del Potro is setting his sights on a fifth appearance at the ATP World Tour Finals in London. The season-ending tournament will feature the eight highest-ranking players battling it out in a round robin format. The event will have a prize money pool of $8 million. Del Potro is currently placed third in the race to London with 4910 points.
“We are fighting for the last five spots in London, so it could be an interesting battle between us.” He said. “I’m excited just to be there and see what’s happening.”
Del Potro will start his campaign at the China Open on Tuesday. In the first round, he will take on Spain’s Albert Ramos Vinolas. A player he defeated in straight sets earlier this year at the French Open.