Del Potro Eyes Djokovic in 2012

Written by: Staff on 11th January 2012

Del Potro Eyes Djokovic in 2012

Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro returns a shot against Lukasz Kubot of Poland during their second round match at the Sydney International tennis tournament in Sydney, Australia, 11 January 2012. EPA/TRACEY NEARMY AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT |

Juan Del Potro has proclaimed himself a part of the group set to chase Novak Djokovic this season. The Argentine is hoping to make 2012 the year of his comeback after two lost seasons following wrist surgery and a long recovery period followed by 2011 shoulder problems.

The former US Open winner is ranked 11th, and drawing closer to his dream return to the Top 10 and higher; he once stood fourth in the world.

No. 1 Djokovic will have a bulls eye on his back after winning 70 matches in 2011, claiming ten titles including three of the four majors. His run of title defenses begins at the Australian Open next week.

“I think Roger and Rafa will be going after Novak because they don’t want him to repeat the year he just had,” said Del Potro, tuning up for Melbourne this week in Sydney. “What Djokovic did, is very difficult for him to do again.

The only three who could possibly do what he did last season are Roger, Rafa and Novak.

They are the only three who can have the same fantastic year Novak did.”

Del Potro has ridden his ranking rise from the depths of No.485 a year ago, when he lost in the second round of the Australian Open to Marcos Baghdatis.

It’s a different story now: “I’m feeling good, I have trained at home and I am ready. I am in good shape and want to play many, many matches. The first tournament of the year is difficult.

“I need to keep playing points and matches to keep improving my level. My comeback year went better than I expected. If I stay healthy I think I have a good chance to win a lot of matches this year.”

Del Potro called his injury run “a thing of the past. I’m close to the top 10 again and I want to be there with the biggest names.”

Topics: Del Potro, djokovic