Sounding off: Juan Martin Del Potro returns to Farmers Classic
Argentina’s Juan Martin del Potro, currently ranked No. 19, is the No. 2 seed in this year’s Farmers Classic, behind American Mardy Fish.
By Daily Bruin Staff
July 25, 2011 7:09 p.m.
Juan Martin Del Potro is the only player not named Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal or Novak Djokovic to win one of tennis’ Grand Slams in the last six years. But the 22-year-old Argentinian wasn’t able to defend his 2009 US Open title due to a wrist injury that sidelined him for most of the 2010 season.
Del Potro’s road back from the injury hasn’t been smooth, but he has climbed all the way to No. 19 in the world as he returns to the Farmers Classic, which takes place today through Sunday at the Los Angeles Tennis Center.
Del Potro spoke to reporters on Monday about his injury, finally being able to return to the US Open and coming back to LA at the tournament he won back in 2008.
On the hardest part about coming back:
It has been a very long ride since my wrist injury, but I think now I’m OK and doing better with my physique and training. Those problems are the past. I’m not thinking about my wrist, about different injuries that I have. Now I have everything to improve, starting with my ranking, my game, my body, physique, everything.
On thinking about the injury:
Everyday I feel better. It’s a very good thing for my future. I don’t have bad things to think, I just want to improve my game, be at the top as soon as I can. I know it’s a very tough road, but I still believe in my game.
On what brings him back to the Farmers Classic:
Well it’s a nice tournament for me. I won my first hard-court tournament here in LA. I have very good memories — many Argentinian fans come to see the tournament, and the American people — I feel very comfortable playing here in the United States.
On going back to US Open:
I’m very excited to come back to New York. If I could start to play tomorrow I would. Of course, I have very important tournaments before. This tournament is important for me, it will be my first tournament after clay and grass season. The weather is hot, but I think I have time to be in good shape for my first match on Wednesday and play a very good tournament.
On fighting other tough players during the run-up to the US Open:
It’s not easy coming back from a dangerous injury. I am lucky to be top 20 at this moment, but it was really, really tough for me, especially at the beginning of this season. I was at the Australian Open and I lost second round, and came here to play indoors and I played the first round against (John) Isner – very difficult players in the first rounds. It’s maybe going to happen at this tournament if I face Blake in the second round. But that is tennis and the rules are there.
