When Juan Martin del Potro claimed back-to-back wins over Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal on route to winning the 2009 US Open, he never expected to have the same opportunity eight years later.
This year’s tournament has seen the Argentine defied the odds to shine in front of his army of fans. Two days ago, he was on the verge of going out to Dominic Thiem as he struggled with illness. Then an inspirational comeback from two sets down turned his fortunes around. He continued that inspiration on Wednesday with a shock win over Roger Federer, hitting 12 aces and 48 winners.
“I don’t have nothing to lose against Federer, so I did my best game of the tournament tonight. I played a very smart game during the whole match.” He said.
“It’s so important to me beating him another time in this amazing tournament.”
Del Potro’s triumph triggers memories of what was his finest moment at Flushing Meadows. At the age of 20 he conquered his Swiss rival in five sets to win his first and so far only major title. Since then, the Argentine has been through an emotional roller coaster. Injury issues put his career on ice for months and almost pushed him to the brink of retirement. Still, there was one thing that remained unchanged. The loyal support he received from his fans.
“It’s great after all my wrist problems, come back and see how much the loves from the fans comes to me is great.”
Bidding for a place in the final, del Potro will take on top seed Nadal. A repeat of last years Olympic semifinals that saw the Argentine triumph in three sets. Since then, the Spaniard has surged back onto the main stage, rising to world No.1. This time round Del Potro is expecting a different encounter.
“He’s the No.1 player of the world, and he’s playing so confident this tournament.” He said. “He’s a lefty guy, so he has a chance to find easily my backhand. So I don’t know what’s going to be my strategy for that match. But for sure I will try to make winners with my forehands and don’t run too much, because my legs are tired.”
Going into the final grand slam of the year, del Potro had only reached the semifinals of one tournament this season in Delray Beach. Now playing in the last four of one of the sports biggest tournaments, the Argentine is showing encouraging signs for the future as he bids to return to the top 10 one day.
“I’m feeling good. I think my backhand is improving every week.” The former world No.4 explained. “Tonight (Wednesday) I produced my best backhands of the tournament in the important moments of the match.”
Del Potro will take on Nadal on Friday. Overall, he trails their head-to-head 5-8.
