Juan Martin Del Potro Analyzes His Tour Year

Written by: Staff on 12th November 2012

Juan Martin Del Potro Analyzes His Tour Year

epa03467129 Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina returns to Novak Djokovic of Serbia during a ATP World Tour tennis semi final match at the O2 Arena in London, Britain, 11 November 2012. EPA/ANDY RAIN |

Juan Martin del Potro may have been knocked out of the ATP semifinals by Novak Djokovic, but the tall Argentine feels like he has made substantial progress this year and in 2013, he might be able push aside the members of tennis’ Big 4 at the most important tournaments.

“I’m getting closer every day,” said Del Potro, who did manage to score two wins over Roger Federer in the past two weeks and also beat Djokovic for the Olympic bronze medal. “Maybe that could be my big challenge for next year, my big goal, trying to fight (for all the Grand Slams) with this group. You know, they are winning all the Grand Slams — Novak, Federer, Rafa and now Murray. I would like to be part of those names in the Grand Slams.”

While Del Potro hadn’t exactly rocketed up the charts since returning from major right wrist surgery at the end of 2010, the 2009 U.S. Open champion has made steady progress. He has yet to win a Masters Series or reach a Grand Slam final in his comeback, but he seems to have the respect of his peers.

No. 7 Del Potro finished 2012 with a 65-17, which includes four titles.

“He’s definitely one of the players behind the Big 4 that can challenge for winning a Grand Slam,” said Djokovic. “Next to him, it’s obviously David Ferrer, who has had a fantastic year, the best year of his career.”

Del Potro said that playing the Big 4 tough gives him hopes for the future.

“I think I’m playing good,” he said. “I don’t know if I play better or not than 2009. But being (in) the semifinals in this tournament is so big for me. It’s still Federer, Djokovic, Murray and me. Was the same four players (in) the Olympics and in the US Open.”

Topics: Andy Murray, Argentinian tennis news, Juan Martin Del Potro, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Sports, Tennis, Tennis News