Juan Martin Del Potro, who returned to tennis after a very long gap due to injury having a promising run.
The former world number four shared his feelings about his game a day after the loss, saying that he is very far from his best but confirmed that he will play in this year’s Miami Open.
Translation of his facebook post says :
“Hello everyone!! I write this message before going to train again which is a good sign. Thanks for the lovely messages and for the great support on court this week, it's really moving! I felt much better than in Delray Beach, I feel I'm progressing but it is still too difficult for me, as I´m far from my best level, to face players as good as those who play this tournament. I know that the recovery process is long and I have to stay positive and patient to face tough times and defeats as early as the one of yesterday. Meanwhile, I can confirm with a smile that I'll play in Miami. Thanks again!!"
Hola a todos!! Les escribo un rato antes de ir a entrenarme otra vez lo cual es una buena señal. Gracias por los...
Posted by Juan Martín del Potro on Sunday, March 13, 2016
The Miami Open starts next week. Seeing him play after a long time should be special as there will be a huge number of fans travelling from North America to see him take the court in the hot climate of Miami.He never won or reached the finals of the Miami Open.
On the road to recovery from injury
Though the Argentinean is not in a great form, he was able to make the semis of the Delray Beach his first tournament since his return. During the progress, he defeated former top 25 player Jeremy Chardy before losing to Sam Querrey 5-7,5-7 in the semis.
It was evident that his backhand was weaker than his forehand. He ran around and tried hitting inside out forehand most of the time. His forehand remains as effective as it was in the 2008 finals of the US Open against Roger Federer, where he showed off his master class to defeat Federer and win his only Grand Slam.
In Indian Wells, he tried his best to cover his weak backhand with his strengths but it wasn’t quite enough against Berdych who deafeated him 7-6,6-2.
It is clear that he is keeping an eye on his wrist by not powering hitting the backhand but just pushing off so that he will not injure his wrist which already kept him away from the game for a long time.
He said that he is very grateful to play again and expressed it at the press conference saying “"Living this show is incredible. I am ready to face difficult moment playing and not watching from home."
Del potro also shared this picture of him and Djokovic quoting “Hello my friend, Did you miss me?”
Holaaa amiguito. Me extrañaste? //Hello my friend. Did you miss me?
Posted by Juan Martín del Potro on Monday, March 14, 2016
One more picture that proves he is always loved by his opponents too.