‘If Federer feels like winning he wins it’ – Del Potro

Federer and Del Potro have played some epic matches over the course of the past decade, and although Federer has a massive advantage in their head to head record (having won 18 and lost 7), the big Argentine has denied the Swiss on vital occasions. However, Federer and Del Potro are good friends off the court, although there is a stiff rivalry between them.

The Tandil native spoke about his friendship with the 20 time slam winner in a recent interview.  ‘Having a close relationship with the greatest of all time is something amazing,’ he admitted. ‘We are represented by the same agency (Team8) and we are much closer, but we have our own life, we do different things,’ he said.

Del Potro also looks up to Roger in the way that he has managed his health and schedule. Del Potro has taken a feather out of Federer’s hat and has scheduled a much lighter clay court season for himself, to remain healthy and increase his longevity. Speaking about his targets for the rest of the year, Del Potro added: ‘Saying again that I am healthy can be boring, but it allows me to play matches like the one against Federer. ‘Federer is a number one on and off the court, we have already played great matches. He cares about his physical and mental health, enjoys his family.’ 

Del Potro also said,‘When Federer feels he is going to win a Slam, he goes and plays and wins it.’ Del Potro has risen in the ATP singles rankings to world number six, and is targetting the year end ATP world tour finals entry list. ‘Now the rankings help me for the draws and play the best players in the final rounds, this is what makes me have adrenaline and passion, playing against Roger and (Rafa) Nadal in finals again’, said Del Potro.