Tennis' Juan Martin del Potro chats

SPORTS

Professional
Thursday, 08 October 2009 04:10
Written by Ned Kelly

Argentine wonderkid and current US Open Champion Juan Martin del Potro talks to That’s Shanghai & Urbanatomy about that title

First up, tell us about that US Open victory…

It’s difficult to explain. Since I was young I dreamed of winning that trophy. You know, I realized my dream, and it was an unbelievable moment. When I lay down on the floor, many things came into my mind. First my family and my friends and everything. I don’t know how I can explain it, because it was my dream - my dream done. It was the best sensation ever in my life.

Sounds like quite a buzz. And at only 21 years old you must be hungry for another hit?

I will be in the history of that tournament, and that’s amazing for me. But yeah, I have new opportunities and other Grand Slams to win, because if I did it there - if I beat Nadal, Federer and many other good players - maybe I can do it more times.

Is it even more special because you beat Federer in the final?

What the other big guns think about the Shanghai Masters 1000

Roger Federer

World Number 1 pulls out

“I am disappointed that I have to withdraw from Shanghai and Tokyo, as they are two of my favorite cities in the world. I decided to take the difficult decision... so that I can give my body a chance to rest, rehabilitate and fully recover.”

Novak Djokovic

2008 Shanghai Tennis Masters Cup Champion

“I really look forward to it as I am going to defend the title in some way. I think it’s going to be the same category of the tournament – still all the best players in the world will be there. It’s going to be a challenge.”

Andy Roddick

World Number 5

“I love the comparison between the old and the new parts of the city. On one side of the water you have old, traditional Shanghai; on the other side crazy architecture and everything is super modern. It’s a nice contrast. I don’t think you see that obvious contrast so close in any other city.”

David Nalbandian

2005 Shanghai Tennis Masters Cup Champion

“When I come back I will try to do as the same as in Masters Cup in 2005. Have fun, enjoy the city and enjoy the tournament, because it’s a very nice tournament. I will try to do my best. Why not try to win there?”

Yeah, of course. To beat Roger for the first time in my favorite Grand Slam, being two sets to one down, everything, it was obviously the best final ever in my life. If I beat Roger in three sets straight it would be even better! But that’s impossible.

You never know. At 6’6” you are the tallest Grand Slam winner in Open Era history, yet you are primarily an offensive baseliner. With your powerful serve, forehand and your height, are you tempted to play more serve and volley?

I need to improve my net game but I am already going to the net more than in the past to finish off points. However I don’t think I will become a serve and volley player!

Your rise to the top has been nothing if not meteoric. What’s the secret of moving up the rankings so quickly and consistently at such a young age?

The most important progress I made was last year when I started working with Franco Davin. He made me work harder and play smarter. I knew the hard work would pay off, but even I have to admit I did not expect to win four ATP titles in a row in the summer. And then to cap it off with the US Open, well… The secret is hard work and positive thinking.

You played in the Masters Cup in Shanghai last November. One thing is for sure, when you come back this month you’ll have many more fans than last year. How are you looking forward to it? Will you be gunning for the title?

I really enjoyed playing at the Tennis Masters Cup in Shanghai last year, it was a fantastic way to end a great season and I look forward to returning there for the ATP Masters 1000 event. As for the title, sure why not?

We have 5 pairs of tickets for the 2009 Shanghai ATP Masters 1000 to give away. Simply answer the following question:

Which Argentine club football side does Juan Martin del Potro support?

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