It may not be a stellar season so far for Juan Martin del Potro in 2017, but for him playing on the ATP Tour is a achievement in itself.
During the first half of the year, the 28-year-old reached one semifinal out of nine tournaments at the Delray Beach Open. Overall, he currently boasts a win-loss record of 14-8 and has defeated two top-20 players. It is a steady record for a player who continues to relishes his opportunity to play the sport.
“I don’t care if I’m 30 or 50. I just want to play tennis,” said del Potro. “I would like to be in the top position for sure one day in the future but I know how difficult it is… I’m still playing tennis and I love what I do. I’m so happy for that.”
Del Potro’s passion for playing tennis comes after what has been a troublesome past few years. At one point the Argentine was contemplating retirement due to a wrist injury, which sidelined him from action for months. When he started his comeback in 2016, Del Potro was ranked outside of the world’s top 1000. Since returning, he has won an ATP title in Stockholm and reached the quarter-finals of the US Open.
Continuing to defy the odds and inspire those around him, Del Potro’s next challenge is this week’s Citi Open in Washington. He is a three-time champion at the tournament, last winning in 2013. During his career, he only ever lost one match at the Washington event back in 2007 at the age of 18.
“It feels like home. I always play good tennis in the US.” Del Potro said about his record at the Citi Open. “This will be very special to me because I have my Argentinian fans who come to watch me here and also the American people watch my game, too.”
The hard-court swing of the season has always been a highlight for the Argentine. Out of his 19 ATP titles, 15 of those have been on a hard-court and six of those were in America. His only grand slam triumph to date occurred at the 2009 US Open when he defeated Roger Federer in the final.
Chasing after his 20th title this week, Del Potro is under no illusion of the tough task he faces. This week’s field features eight top-20 players with four of them being in the top-10.
“The quality is great. I think this will be almost like an [ATP World Tour] 1000 tournament. There are many players in the top 20, and I think it will be a very interesting tournament to watch and to play.” He said about the tournament.
Del Potro, who received a first round bye, will start his Washington campaign against Lukas Lacko. If he did win the tournament, it would be his first ATP 500 title since the 2013 Swiss Open.
Del Potro’s year so far
Delray Beach – SF (loss to Milos Raonic)
Acapulco – R2 (lost to Novak Djokovic)
Indian Wells – R3 (lost to Novak Djokovic)
Miami – R3 (lost to Roger Federer)
Estoril – R2 (withdrew)
Rome – QF (lost to Novak Djokovic)
Lyon – R2 (lost to Gastao Elias)
French Open – R3 (lost to Andy Murray)
Wimbledon – R2 (lost to Ernests Gulbis)
