He is winning on the tour and hailed at home. September 23rd, 2008
He is winning on the tour and hailed at home. Things could not be much better right now for Juan Martin del Potro.
Del Potro, who turns 20 on Tuesday, won two singles matches over the weekend, including a three-set victory over Igor Andreev on Sunday to send Argentina past Russia 3-2 in the Davis Cup semifinals.
Between Wimbledon and the U.S. Open, where del Potro reached the quarterfinals, the Argentine has won four straight ATP tournaments. He says the victory over Russia was like nothing else.
“What I’ve lived this weekend has been the best time of my life,” del Potro said. “It’s a dream. It’s great for my career and I’m feeling good.”
Argentina will host a Spanish team led by top-ranked Rafael Nadal in the Davis Cup final from Nov. 21-23. The Argentines are expected to choose a fast court to negate Nadal’s strength on clay.
Argentina reached the Davis Cup final twice before but lost both times – at Russia in 2006 and at the United States in 1981.
“Today, the name del Potro is a name on the circuit, a weightier name, infinitely more respected,” Miguel Angel Bertolloto wrote in daily Clarin. “Not just for those four titles but because of these two phenomenal cup wins. Playing in the Davis isn’t for just anybody, and winning the Davis, even less.”
Del Potro’s performance was even more impressive considering that David Nalbandian lost at home Sunday for the first time since his Davis Cup debut in 2002.
Del Potro gave Argentina a 2-0 lead over Russia on Friday by beating Nikolay Davydenko 6-1, 6-4, 6-2. He then beat Andreev 6-4, 6-2, 6-1 in the finale of the best-of-five series.
“Thank you big guy!” screamed the headline across the front page of daily Diario Popular above a triumphant photo of del Potro.