Juan Martin Del Potro makes his second comeback attempt after his 2014 wrist surgery at the 2015 Miami Open. The Tennis Review is looking forward to the Argentine’s return for good reasons.
1. That forehand.
Del Potro executes the forehand with his trademark relaxed style making the powerful stroke he unleashes even more electrifying to watch.
The Argentine gradually uncoils from the hip to his shoulders, and when he has the ball he wants, he hits one of the most powerful and quick forehands on the ATP Tour, reaching speeds of up to 188 kmh.
Watch the video below to see the beauty that is the Del Potro forehand when he has time to set up the shot.
But, Del Potro does not only hit forehands to make you gasp when he is in control of the point. Del Potro’s long legs and long arms means he has a stronger forehand on the stretch than most players.
Watch the hot shot below to see Del Potro hit a winning forehand on the run down the line.
Del Potro is one of the few ATP players to hit his forehand with an Eastern grip. Roger Federer is another one and a player Del Potro challenges for the title of best forehand on the ATP Tour.
2. Del Potro’s battles with Federer.
Del Potro made his name when he beat Federer in a topsy-turvy, fiery final to win the U.S Open 2009 title, a match preceded by their tense five setter that same year at Roland Garros.
See highlights of the classic U.S Open 2009 final between del Potro and Federer below.
The biggest ATP forehands firing away against each other have produced ten matches going the distance out of twenty played. Federer leads the head to head 15-5, but Del Potro has won most of their biggest clashes, winning three of their four finals- the 2009 U.S Open final, and the finals in Federer’s hometown of Basel (2012, 2013).
3. Gentle Giant qualities
The soft voice with which Del Potro politely answers journalist’s questions, the absence of tantrums, the tweets and facebook updates about how much he loves his family, friends, fans and home, all are the characteristics of a gentle giant.
There is nothing flashy or divaish about Del Potro- he is all gentleman, a rare characteristic in the sport, and tennis is all the better for having him.
4. Champion’s mindset and heart.
Del Potro won the U.S Open 2009 as a dark horse, beating Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer back to back to win the title, becoming the first man to do so on the way to a slam title.
That fearlessness and self-belief are what separates a slam champion from the rest. Del Potro has another crucial element, too- heart. The Argentine’s 2013 Wimbledon semi-final against Novak Djokovic, showed how prepared he was to fight in a tennis match, as did his 2012 Olympic semi-final against Roger Federer, in which he gave everything he had as he went down 19-17 in the decisive set.
Del Potro’s reactions to his straight sets defeat of Djokovic the next day and his tearful acceptance of his bronze medal showed just how much tennis meant to him and how much heart the Argentine has for the sport.
5. Charm.
When Del Potro smiles, hearts melt, but wait til he speaks- icebergs thaw.
Watch his U.S Open 2009 winner’s speech (4.19) below to see his charm in action.
Commentary by Christian Deverille
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