After getting his first match win after a lengthy layoff, Juan Martin Del Potro was relieved and believes he could be back to his best again.
Relieved With First Win
Speaking after his straight sets victory over Denis Kudla in the Delray Beach Open, Del Potro says he was nervous but relieved to get his first win in over 11 months. "I think winning a match after 11 months is the gift of the tournament for me. Winning has been a relief, because I doubted about if I could return many times," says the Argentine. He adds, "I was impressed with the level with which I played tonight, and for having won in this way after almost one year without playing."
Believes Maybe He Could Be Dangerous Again
That crucial first win has already given the Argentine's confidence a much needed boost. Throughout his long road to recovery, Del Potro has been putting in a lot of work on his backhand and was pleased that it worked today. "Considering it is my first match, I think the backhand is good. I knew how my backhand would be. I am still working and improving to have a very good backhand to compete at this level," quips the former 2009 US Open champion.
With his strokes working well and with getting returns in, Del Potro has started to believe, that as long as he puts in the hard work and remains fit, there is no reason as to why he cannot compete at his best level. "I am so excited to keep working, because I am feeling if I do well and if I stay healthy my tennis will be behind me and maybe I can be dangerous one day again."
After all, once upon a time, he was the one constantly challenging the "Big Four". With a dangerous Del Potro, we might get to witness that again.