After having a successful 2018 season ended by injury, Juan Martin del Potro is hoping to once again stage a strong comeback to men’s tennis later this month.
The world No.4 hasn’t played a competitive match since the Shanghai Masters back in October. It was at the tournament where he fractured his right patella bone. Commonly known as the kneecap. The injury forced him to withdraw from last year’s ATP Finals after qualifying for the event for the first time since 2013, as well as the Australian Open.
Del Potro is targeting a return to the tour at the Delray Beach Open, which he last won back in 2011. Leading up to his latest comeback, the Argentine conducted an open practice session in his home city of Tandill on Saturday. The day drew big crowds to the session with members of the public bringing food to donate to a local food bank.
“I feel good, I think it was the most intense week I had since my injury and the rehabilitation.” Del Potro told local media after his practice session.
“I finished it well, which is important for the intensity that comes up a little bit.
“I still have to climb a couple of steps, if I continue like that I will get there,” He added.
The public event had been arranged to be done two weeks prior, but was cancelled by the 30-year-old. Who says that he wasn’t in good enough shape at the time.
Despite his delay to the new season, Del Potro to hoping that he can pick up from where he left. In 2018 the Argentine rose to a ranking high of third in the world. On the tour, he won two ATP titles, including his first at Masters level in Indian Wells. Then at the US Open he reached the second grand slam final of his career and first since 2009. He lost in straight sets to Novak Djokovic. Overall, Del Potro featured in six finals during that year.
“It is difficult to repeat a year like the previous one, but obviously I would like to. Even if i didn’t play in Australia, started a bit behind those I have above me in the rankings. In recent years my career has surprised me.” He said.
“I’m very excited to be able to start (the 2019 season) at last, I’ve already missed an important tournament.” The Argentine added.
Besides his goal of returning back to the top of the men’s game once again, Del Potro is also aware of the wider impact he has. Known as the ‘tower of Tandil’ due to his height of 6’4”, Del Potro want to continue inspiring the next generation of players. On social media he has 3.35 million Twitter followers and 2.027 million Facebook likes.
“I try to be an example on and off the court, the youngest ones (children) imitate you when you’re playing, but also in your physical form, how you dress, what you eat or who you surround yourself with.” He explained.
Del Potro has also given his view about the current state of the tour. At present men’s tennis is dominated by three of the four members of the ‘Big Four.’ The only exception is Andy Murray, who may be forced to retire from the sport soon during to persistent hip problems. At the Australian Open, Novak Djokovic clinched the title after thrashing nemesis Rafael Nadal in the final.
Looking ahead to the rest of the season, Del Potro believes it will continue to be dominated by the usual suspects. Even though the Next Generation contingent are making progress. Highlighted by Alexander Zverev’s triumph at the ATP Tour Finals in November.
“I think it will continue to be them (Nadal and Djokovic) who are fighting for the top places.” Said del Potro. “There are a lot of good players, it’s a matter of time for those to move places, but still Rafa, Djokovic, the same with Federer, when it comes to playing the big tournaments, they are a little higher.”
“The new group (Next Gen) is going to push and move us. They have to be consistent throughout the season and in the big tournaments.”
The Delray Beach Open will get underway from February 18th. Del Potro is set to be the highest ranked player in the draw.
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