Juan Martin Del Potro began his latest comeback bid with an encouraging straight sets win over Denis Kudla. The highly anticipated return of the former US Open champion was one that the 27-year-old Argentine will never forget.
Del Potro has been sidelined from action for the past 11 months after undergoing a fourth operation on his wrist. Despite his injury woes, the hugely popular former world No.4 refused to leave the sport he loves as he documented his recovery with the use of social media. The determination from the Argentine have paid off with his first win on the tour since the 2015 Sydney International on Tuesday. The triumph was one that meant a lot for Del Potro.
“After all I’ve been through, it’s amazing for me, and I’d like to say ‘thank you’ to the fans,” Del Potro said following his win over Kudla.
“I enjoyed it tonight.”
The initial signs were good from the Argentine who was playing in his first match since the 2015 Miami Masters. His outstanding forehand was still in good working order as the 27-year-old produced a series of winners. There were also impressive signs in his service game against Kudla with the Argentine producing five aces and winning 78% of his service points. The performance of the 2009 US Open was what many of the Florida crowd were hoping for.
“It felt like I was playing in Buenos Aires,” The 27-year-old said about the reception.
“I was nervous before the match. It was a very important match for my career. Being my first match in 11 months, I think it was okay. . . . Maybe I can be dangerous again.”
Reflecting on his first match in almost a year, Del Potro was most than satisfied with things. During his press conference, Argentine media quoted him, saying that he was ‘impressed by the level he showed’. Explaining his successful return, the 27-year-old put it down to hard work and the support of his friends and family.
“I don’t do anything special. I think the only thing to do is work hard and if you do before a tournament you have more chance to feel good,” The former world No.4 said.
“I have a great family and good friends who support me all the time. They were watching my match on TV in Argentina; it’s very late there. I know they’re very proud of me. They know how sad I was in the past.”
Unsurprisingly, he has also ruled himself out of Argentina’s upcoming Davis Cup tie against Poland. Instead, Del Potro wants to focus on ‘adapting to the tour’.
In the second round the Argentine will play Australia’s John-Patrick Smith. Looking ahead to the match, Del Potro jokingly admitted that he didn’t know much about Smith.
“I don’t know him. I was for two years at home watching the Simpsons”. He joked with the media.
Match highlights: Juan Martin Del Potro ARG Vs Denis Kuda USA
