10th April, 2012
His Davis Cup business done with a crushing win for Argentina, Juan Martin del Potro is looking forward to the European Claycourt Circuit and resuming his climb back up the rankings.
The world number 10 beat Marin Cilic 6-1, 6-2, 6-1 to give Argentina an unassailable 3-1 lead over Croatia on Clay at Parque Roca and put them in their 13th Davis Cup semi-final.
“At last I’m going to rest a bit, I’ve been playing since Rotterdam without any off… Afterwards I’ll prepare well for Estoril, for Madrid, Rome knowing the circuit goes on and that everyone’s playing from Monte Carlo,” Del Potro said.
“I don’t want to lose ground on those who are above me and I’m still dreaming of being able to get close as soon as possible,” the 23-year-old Argentine, ranked a career high number four in January 2010, told a news conference.
The 2009 U.S. Open champion, fast emerging as successor to the crown of “King David” Nalbandian as Argentina’s leader in the Davis Cup, is working his way back from wrist surgery in 2010 when he lost virtually a whole season on the tour.
Del Potro will be looking for his 11th title in Estoril, which starts on 30 April and where he will be defending champion.