Juan Martin del Potro... A Year Later
In the summer of 2008, Juan Martin del Potro caught the attention of the tennis world when he won four consecutive tournaments – two on clay in Europe followed by two on hard courts in the United States. In 2009, del Potro has continued to improve and his results reflect that. The 20-year-old six foot six inch Argentine, 38-10 so far in 2009, is the
youngest player in the Top 10. Juan Martin has reached the quarters or better in ten of the twelve tournaments he’s played this year winning two titles including the Legg Mason Classic in Washington, DC on Sunday where he downed Andy Roddick in a third set tiebreaker. Del Potro followed up his quarterfinal finish at the 2008 U.S. Open by reaching the quarters of the 2009 Australian Open and the semis of the 2009 French Open losing to Roger Federer both times. At Wimbledon, Juan Martin was upset by his childhood idol and former Wimbledon Champion, Aussie Lleyton Hewitt.
During his young career, del Potro has won six singles titles (four on hard courts and two on clay courts). Juan Martin is 6-2 in singles in the five Davis Cup ties he’s played for Argentina during the past three years including winning both his singles rubbers in Argentina’s quarterfinal loss to the Czech Republic in July. With all of his success the past couple of years, del Potro has already earned $3.4 million including $1.5 million so far in 2009.
Juan Martin started the year ranked ninth, but is currently ranked sixth. He achieved his career high ranking of number five in April, 2009. Del Potro is 0-6 against Federer including the five set loss at the 2009 French Open, but he did beat then World Number One, Rafael Nadal, at the Sony Ericsson Open in Key Biscayne in March. Juan Martin is 1-3 versus Andy Murray with a win over him on clay in Madrid in May, 2009. With his win yesterday, del Potro is 2-0 versus Andy Roddick.
A year later, del Potro has a much stronger serve, especially his first serve, he moves better around the court and exceptionally well for someone of his height. Juan Martin has also improved his fitness which has helped him survive the hot days and long five setters. Del Potro also has gained the experience that comes with beating top players and playing “in the spotlight.” As the 2009 U.S. Open approaches, del Potro, who says that hard courts are his favorite surface, is definitely on the short list of serious contenders.
During his young career, del Potro has won six singles titles (four on hard courts and two on clay courts). Juan Martin is 6-2 in singles in the five Davis Cup ties he’s played for Argentina during the past three years including winning both his singles rubbers in Argentina’s quarterfinal loss to the Czech Republic in July. With all of his success the past couple of years, del Potro has already earned $3.4 million including $1.5 million so far in 2009.
Juan Martin started the year ranked ninth, but is currently ranked sixth. He achieved his career high ranking of number five in April, 2009. Del Potro is 0-6 against Federer including the five set loss at the 2009 French Open, but he did beat then World Number One, Rafael Nadal, at the Sony Ericsson Open in Key Biscayne in March. Juan Martin is 1-3 versus Andy Murray with a win over him on clay in Madrid in May, 2009. With his win yesterday, del Potro is 2-0 versus Andy Roddick.
A year later, del Potro has a much stronger serve, especially his first serve, he moves better around the court and exceptionally well for someone of his height. Juan Martin has also improved his fitness which has helped him survive the hot days and long five setters. Del Potro also has gained the experience that comes with beating top players and playing “in the spotlight.” As the 2009 U.S. Open approaches, del Potro, who says that hard courts are his favorite surface, is definitely on the short list of serious contenders.
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