‘Federer has a better forehand than me’- Del Potro

Juan Martin Del Potro has charted up a lighter schedule for this clay endeavors, taking a page out of Roger Federer’s book. Federer, as we all know, has opted to skip clay entirely. Del Potro, although not skipping clay entirely, has opted out of few tournaments. Federer is expected to make his return to tennis at Stuttgart next month. Del Potro realizes he is not as young as he used to be and is looking to increase his longevity on the tour by staying fit and healthy. The Tandil native is currently playing at the Madrid Masters.

The Argentine dismissed Dzumhur in straight sets in his first match, and will take on Dusan Lajovic in his next encounter. Del Potro seemed to be pleased with his performance as he spoke in his post match conference. ‘Madrid is a tournament that it’s lovely, it’s very passionate. I really like to play here. But I think that the conditions here suit the players that hit the ball hard, the players that serve big. It suits them’, said Del Potro. Today, being my first match on clay since a long time, I think it was really acceptable. I was playing well out there. That gives me confidence towards the next match.’

Del Potro is known for his huge forehand, which has often been compared with the fictional character Thor’s hammer. However, as humble as he is, he believes that there are players with better forehands in the business.  ‘Well, I cannot say that my forehand is the best forehand on the tour. I think that Federer has a great forehand. And Rafa of course, too. I think that we have three different styles of playing. The ball of the three of us flies differently. Some hit with more topspin, others hit flatter’, said Del Potro.

Del Potro has recently cemented his place in the sixth position, in the ATP singles rankings, and is looking to lock in his position in the year end ATP world tour finals.