Eight years after winning the US Open, Juan Martin del Potro’s love affair with the US Open continues to blossom.
During a career that was nearly ended due to a serious wrist injury, the Argentine has bounced back to the main stage of tennis. Currently sitting at 28th in the world. On Saturday he rolled back the years on the Grandstand Court with a convincing straight sets win over Roberto Bautista Agut. Securing his fifth win over a top 20 player this season.
Fans roared Del Potro on as if he was one of their own players. In return, the Argentine hit 14 aces and 38 winners, illustrating his fierce forehand. It was a performance that delighted the crowd, who chanted in support of Del Potro during his post-match interview.
“I think I played the best match of the tournament. I hit so well my forehand. I serve well during the whole match. I play very smart with my slice.” He said.
“I came to the net very often, tried to be aggressive all the time, and I think I play well.”
Del Potro experienced a three-year hiatus from the New York major between 2013-2016. Multiple surgeries on his wrist forced him to be a spectator of the tournament instead of a participant. It is a case of what could have become of Del Potro’s career if it wasn’t for injuries. Still, the 28-year-old is not bitter. All he cares about is playing the sport he loves in a place that feels like home.
“I think when you get older you are more patient with everything,” del Potro said. “I’ve had so many problems, with the wrist injuries.”
“I’m just glad to be back playing at the US Open.” He added.
With momentum gathering, the tower of Tandil is targeting the quarter-finals of the US Open for the second consecutive year. Standing in his way is Dominic Thiem, who has only dropped one set in three matches.
”He (Thiem) has everything to win the match,“ said the 24th seed. ”He’s having a great season already. He’s the favourite for the match.
”But I like to play him. I like to play him in this tournament.
”Is very special tournament to me.
“I‘m getting good energy from the crowd in every match, and I‘m feeling every day much better with my game.”
Del Potro leads Thiem 2-0 in their head-to-head, winning both matches in 2016.
.@delpotrojuan shares a sweet moment with fans on the Grandstand
▶️ the clip. https://t.co/Zu8RseB0gd ❤️ #usopen pic.twitter.com/yDarmr9G5o— US Open Tennis (@usopen) 2 September 2017
